Russell 'breaking' as Mercedes looks to Antonelli - Schumacher
Ralf Schumacher believes George Russell is starting to buckle under the pressure from championship leader Kimi Antonelli, even though Mercedes has admitted that a technical issue contributed to Russell's retirement on the first lap at Spa. Antonelli’s win at the Belgian Grand Prix increased his lead over Russell to 50 points, while the veteran Mercedes driver was left infuriated after losing electrical power just before colliding with Lewis Hamilton.
"Yes, this is exactly what we mentioned at the start of the season," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. "Once Kimi Antonelli proved himself to be the faster driver, George Russell would inevitably start to crack under the strain. And that’s what we’re seeing now."
Schumacher noted that Russell's challenging position has been intensified by ongoing technical issues. "It reminds me somewhat of Hamilton last year," he stated. "There were moments when it seemed like he was on the verge of tears. That kind of situation impacts a driver. I think he’s currently in a very, very tough spot."
The former Formula 1 driver believes it has now become clear internally within Mercedes which driver will receive priority. "I think it’s evident within the team which driver they will support first," Schumacher remarked.
However, he acknowledged that Russell’s retirement at Spa was mainly due to Mercedes’ electrical failure rather than the pressure from racing Antonelli. "They’re trying to pinpoint the issue so both cars can compete at the front, as Ferrari is not far behind," he added.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has also stated that the team's previous approach of treating both drivers equally will not come at the cost of securing another victory. "Based on what we've experienced, particularly in Barcelona, where we lost significant time, we’ve set a goal to avoid losing time to each other," he explained.
"We don't want any 'yo-yo racing,' where a Ferrari or a Red Bull pressures us, leading to a lost win as we saw in Barcelona. Had it not been for the retirement, Kimi would have clinched the race." The Austrian confirmed that Mercedes will now focus on achieving victory rather than permitting unrestricted competition if a rival is in a position to capitalize.
"Since Barcelona, we would certainly prioritize winning the race. If that means Kimi or George is in the lead, that’s what we’d focus on."
"It’s equally a Constructors' Championship as it is a Drivers' Championship." Nevertheless, Wolff dismissed the notion that Antonelli’s increasing points lead would automatically imply Russell would be ordered to yield. "We would never take a victory away from either driver. So if George is leading, we wouldn’t do that, even if he’s behind in the championship at this point in the season."
Other articles
Coulthard teams up with Albon as uncertainty about the future increases.
Formula 1 | David Coulthard has allegedly come on board as an experienced adviser and mentor in Alex Albon's personal management team, amidst increasing uncertainty (…)
Rossi supports Antonelli against Ferrari in the battle for the Italian title.
Formula 1 | Valentino Rossi declares his support for Kimi Antonelli rather than Ferrari, as the 19-year-old increasingly captures Italy's aspirations for a (…)
Cadillac chief dismisses allegations about Bottas' difficulties.
Formula 1 | Valtteri Bottas has once more rejected rumors that Cadillac is grooming Colton Herta as his successor in 2027, affirming that the new Formula 1 team (…)
Russell 'breaking' as Mercedes looks to Antonelli - Schumacher
Formula 1 | Ralf Schumacher claims that George Russell is starting to buckle under the pressure from championship leader Kimi Antonelli, even though Mercedes has acknowledged a (…)