Russells muscular defense: Antonelli requests clarifications from Mercedes

We will let history reveal itself in due time if what happened this Saturday during the sprint of the 2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix is the start of a new intense rivalry for the world title. But, in any case, it is certain that neither George Russell nor Kimi Antonelli gave an inch in the fight for victory.

After a start that, rare for this year, saw both Mercedes retain their starting positions, Antonelli quickly put pressure on his teammate. Then, starting from the end of the fifth lap, the battle truly began.

Of course, the most notable moment of this battle was the first turn of the sixth lap where, trying to gain the advantage over his teammate by the outside to be on the inside of turn 2, the Italian was forced off track to avoid contact in the face of the firm defense of a determined Russell to stop the hemorrhaging of points in the standings.

The duel then continued to turn 8, where a somewhat desperate attempt by Antonelli resulted in another excursion into the grass and, this time, a lost position to Lando Norris.

The rest of the race did not change the positions on track, but the championship leader did not hide his displeasure, on the radio, at what he experienced as illicit off-track shoving. However, the stewards did not intervene, unlike Toto Wolff, who was quick to calm his driver so he could focus on the race.

Coming out of this short trial, Antonelli was relatively diplomatic but did not hesitate to emphasize the need for clarification from Mercedes.

“Obviously, we have meetings before the races,” said Antonelli. “Then, of course, we race to win and we try our best to defend our position. I probably interpreted the meaning of this meeting a bit differently.”

“Emotions were very high at the time and I was obviously very annoyed. But I just have to check and, of course, we will discuss and clarify that.”

When Motorsport.com asked him if he would change his approach against Russell if the Briton’s defense remained within team limits, Antonelli replied: “Of course.”

“I think we probably just need some clarity. And once that’s clear, everything will be fine, I think. The key for the team is that there is no contact, that we don’t collide, which almost happened today in the end.”

With Filip Cleeren