Mercedes intends to utilize Antonelli to assist Russell at Monza.

      "We'll give it a shot and see how it goes."

      Mercedes is prepping to utilize Kimi Antonelli’s grid penalty strategically during qualifying at Monza, with the championship leader ready to assist George Russell by providing a slipstream. Antonelli will start from the back after receiving a new power unit, making his qualifying position of little significance at his home race. When asked if Mercedes had talked about using him to support Russell, Antonelli replied: "Yes. The team has discussed it." "If the team asks me to help, I will. I’ll do whatever I can for the team." Russell confirmed the strategy. "They suggested it," he stated. "We’ll go for it and see if it succeeds." "This clearly demonstrates our teamwork. I committed to supporting the team in Zandvoort, and Kimi will do the same for me here." Russell also indicated that he anticipates receiving his own power unit penalty later in the season. "Regarding penalties, I'm aware that I will also be penalized; we just haven't decided when to implement it." The Ferrari drivers also plan to collaborate where feasible, although Charles Leclerc noted that neither he nor Lewis Hamilton will intentionally hinder each other. "This weekend, it will be Lewis’s decision, and I believe he will take advantage of the slipstream," Leclerc said. "But if we can assist each other while maintaining an optimal gap, we will definitely do that." Carlos Sainz, however, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of planned towing. "Attempting to slipstream each other hasn’t often yielded positive results," he remarked. "It doesn’t provide a significant advantage."