P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has conceded that it waited too long to decide whether to swap George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli during F1’s Mexico City GP.
Mercedes has acknowledged that they made a mistake by delaying the decision to swap George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix. Russell, feeling he could chase down the cars ahead, urged the pit wall to let him pass Antonelli, but by the time Mercedes agreed, Russell’s tires had overheated, causing him to lose his chance and allowing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to overtake both cars. Mercedes’ communication chief, Bradley Lord, admitted that the delay in decision-making did not work out for them. Russell struggled to catch up once he cleared Antonelli, as his tires were already worn, leading to missed opportunities for both drivers. Lord emphasized the challenges of overtaking in Mexico due to low downforce and dirty air, noting that Mercedes should have been more decisive in their strategy. Antonelli expressed frustration over the team’s handling of the situation and called for a review of the team orders at the Mexico GP.
