Story perspectives

Russell Trails Antonelli by 0.3 s, Targets Podium Finish

7/5/2026

Summary

Russell Targets Podium

George Russell said his Mercedes loses about 0.3 seconds per straight to Kimi Antonelli.
Russell qualified fourth, 0.370 seconds off Antonelli’s pole and 43 points behind him.
Mercedes ruled out brake lock-up, noting that power-unit energy deployment appears normal as investigations continue.
Russell said he will target a podium finish despite the deficit.

Summary

Wolff Praises Antonelli

Team principal Toto Wolff said George Russell was only about 50 milliseconds slower on the straight, showing the car’s competitiveness.
He reiterated Mercedes will keep its driver lineup this season despite speculation linking Max Verstappen to the team.
Wolff praised teenage teammate Kimi Antonelli’s “incredible mental clarity,” noting his sprint-race win, pole position and natural talent under pressure.

Summary

Russell Finishes Sprint

Driver George Russell finished fourth in the Grand Prix sprint after starting fifth and moving to third.
Driver George Russell overtook, fell behind Driver Lando Norris and Driver Max Verstappen, repassed Driver Max Verstappen, ending a second behind Driver Lando Norris.
Driver George Russell said a podium was within reach and expressed disappointment while Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord praised tyre data and Mercedes targets a spot in Sunday’s qualifying.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 the turbo-hybrid era began and Mercedes claimed its first Constructors’ title, beating Red Bull by 296 points and winning 16 races. That breakthrough, driven by team principal Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton, proved technical investment could end Red Bull’s dominance. Today’s Mercedes, with George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, echoes that 2014 effort to close the pace gap.

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Russell Targets Podium

George Russell said his Mercedes loses about 0.3 seconds per straight to Kimi Antonelli.
Russell qualified fourth, 0.370 seconds off Antonelli’s pole and 43 points behind him.
Mercedes ruled out brake lock-up, noting that power-unit energy deployment appears normal as investigations continue.
Russell said he will target a podium finish despite the deficit.

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