Russell humiliated by Antonelli at Monza: the new Mercedes number 2

For six-time Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher, one thing is certain: “Well, if there were any doubts left about the drivers’ standing at Mercedes, they’ve now been dispelled. Kimi Antonelli has driven superbly here at Monza; it’s a humiliation for George Russell.”

And yet everything seemed so straightforward for the Briton: everyone assumed that pole-sitter Pierre Gasly wouldn’t pose a real threat to the Mercedes driver in P2, and that Kimi might perhaps finish in the top five.

But after 53 laps, it wasn’t Mercedes driver Russell who emerged as the beaming winner, but championship leader Kimi Antonelli – starting from 19th on the grid!

Russell fought tooth and nail against the relentlessly advancing Antonelli, but it was all to no avail: Kimi had picked up fresh tyres during a virtual safety car period, leaving Russell like a boxer in the ring with one arm tied behind his back.

George spread his Mercedes waaaay out, so wide that Antonelli even slid into the gravel at Turn 1; after that, there was a clear directive from the Mercedes command centre: ‘Stay clean!’

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Russell acknowledged: “That was a fabulous performance from Kimi. When I glanced at a video screen early in the race and saw the order, I spotted Kimi in P5. Right at that moment, it was clear to me that sooner or later he’d be in the mix up front.”

“We put in a strong race, but by the end my tyres were done. I’d been driving on this one set of hard tyres for practically the whole race.”

“I’m trying to look on the bright side: things are going better than they were before the summer break. Even though I wasn’t able to achieve today what I’d set out to do before the Grand Prix.”

Kimi – and this was crucial in this race – picked up fresh tyres during the virtual safety car period (following Lance Stroll’s retirement), as did Max Verstappen, whilst George Russell remained out on track.

The seven-time Grand Prix winner continued: “To be honest, I assumed we’d both stay out. I was a bit surprised that he pitted. That must have been a very difficult decision for the team to make at that moment. When every second counts, it’s hard to say whether it’s better to get fresh tyres or stay out on the track. And from the team’s perspective, it made sense to spread the chances.”

“Ultimately, Kimi Antonelli had incredible pace today; he fully deserved this victory, and I have to accept that with composure.”