Kimi Antonelli and George Russell told scenario that Mercedes may start to ‘prioritise’ one of them

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Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have been told the scenario that may cause Mercedes to ‘prioritise’ one of them.

So far in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Antonelli and Russell have been a class above the rest as Mercedes became the dominant force under the sport’s new regulations.

With the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull playing catch-up, the Silver Arrows have built up a healthy lead at the top of the standings.

In terms of the drivers’ title, Antonelli and Russell’s battle reached a boiling point during the Canadian Grand Prix, with the pair making contact during the Sprint. Antonelli was told off by Toto Wolff after repeatedly complaining on the team radio.

In the main Grand Prix, Russell was forced to retire on Lap 30 due to a power unit issue, handing Antonelli the victory, and the teenager is now 43 points clear at the top of the leaderboard.

Should Toto Wolff stay off the radio when Kimi Antonelli and George Russell battle?

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Otmar Szafnauer suggests that Mercedes will not ‘care’ which driver wins the F1 title

Looking ahead, there have been talks about whether Mercedes should start prioritising Antonelli due to his current lead.

However, while speaking on the latest episode of the High Performance Racing podcast, ex-Alpine and Aston Martin team boss Otmar Szafnauer rejected those suggestions.

The 61-year-old suggested that Mercedes’ main goal is to win the constructors’ title and should only prioritise someone when the current third-placed driver gets within touching distance.

Szafnauer said: “I used to tell my drivers they are one of 1200 employees and the other 1200 care about the constructors. Not about the drivers, you’re the only one. 

“They are all pushing for the constructors’ world championship. All the aero guys, the powertrain people, they don’t care which driver.”

When asked whether Mercedes should prioritise Antonelli, Szafnauer replied: “No, remember, for them it’s all about the constructors. Do they care if it’s Kimi or George?

“I think you start prioritising if whoever’s in third now gets closer, then you might want to prioritise, but not now.”

Are Kimi Antonelli’s F1 title chances higher or lower than 70%?

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READ MORE: Guenther Steiner says Toto Wolff did something ‘remarkable’ as Kimi Antonelli fought George Russell

Rob Smedley thinks George Russell will quickly put Canadian GP disappointment behind him

Despite being 43 points off the lead, Russell actually had a much-improved weekend as he looked quick on track during the Sprint and the Grand Prix before his retirement.

Speaking about Russell’s mindset, ex-Ferrari and Williams race engineer Rob Smedley claimed that the Mercedes driver will have forgotten about Canada already.

Smedley said: “By the time he has landed back in Europe, his head would have been in gear anyway; he would have been disappointed, but it’s not like he’s slow all weekend and can’t get anywhere near his teammate.”