P1racenews AI automatic summary:
‘He doesn’t like it’: Antonelli reveals Russell relationship change at Mercedes
Mercedes F1 driver Kimi Antonelli has experienced a shift in his relationship with teammate George Russell in recent race weekends, as Russell excels in his ‘team leader’ role, winning races and currently ranking fourth in the standings. Antonelli, on the other hand, had a challenging rookie season but recently achieved his first podium and a career-best second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix. As Antonelli has improved and even outperformed Russell in the last two races, their dynamic is evolving with mutual respect and a competitive edge. Both drivers have signed contracts to continue with Mercedes in 2026, setting the stage for a season-long battle between them.
Antonelli’s 2025 season had ups and downs, with a strong start followed by a slump, but he is now on the rise again, contributing significantly to Mercedes’ constructors’ championship fight by scoring 58 points in the last six races. The 19-year-old driver is closing in on Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings and aims to surpass him in the remaining races. Antonelli’s recent success has boosted team morale, and he looks forward to the upcoming Las Vegas race weekend, building on the positive momentum and consistent performance. Despite facing challenges, Antonelli’s resilience has paid off, making his recent podium finish personally gratifying and a testament to his determination.
