Antonelli on the derby with Russell: “We don’t want an internal war or a 2016 encore”

The Canadian Grand Prix was one of those moments that can define the relationship between teammates. For the first time Russell and Antonelli came to blows, not without taking risks, especially in the Sprint. Mercedes drivers are still free to race, as long as the internal competition does not end in a real war, such as that between Hamilton and Rosberg in 2016. Free to race A few hours after the fourth career victory, Antonelli commented on the duel with Russell and the agreement reached in the meeting after the Sprint: “Today I have to say that it was a good battle, but there were still some moments that were a bit at the limit. Certainly [sabato] we clarified and it was the most important thing. We are free to race, but obviously with respect, because you never want to have an accident with your partner. There are still a couple of things to clarify, but Saturday’s meeting was very important.” The weekend in Montreal highlighted how the dynamics between the two Mercedes drivers are decidedly different from last year: “Certainly the relationship had already changed a bit. Now we are in a position where we are both fighting for victories and for the championship, even if I don’t like to talk about it, because it’s still a long way off. Last year we never found ourselves in a position like this, so it’s normal for the dynamics to change. The important thing is that even now there is respect between us. We don’t want an internal war, because we want the best for the team and for a good dynamic to remain. We don’t want a repeat of 2016 between Lewis and Nico, even internally it’s not good for the team. The dynamics have certainly changed, but the environment in the team is still very good.” Photo Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images Three years of experience in one. The evolution of the relationship with Russell is also a direct consequence of Antonelli’s greater awareness: “I know that I can beat him and that I can win, even if every weekend is different. George is very strong and he has always done very well on this track. This weekend was more difficult and I also feel like I didn’t perform at my best. I think I wasn’t as determined as in Miami, I didn’t feel 100%. Last year, getting close to George and being in front of him sometimes was a good achievement. This year obviously the music has changed and is very different, but in any case I know that I have to continue to raise the bar.” Although Russell’s retirement favored Kimi’s Canadian success, scoring four consecutive victories remains an extraordinary achievement for the Italian driver, especially in comparison to the results of last season. Antonelli continues: “Last year for me it’s as if I had accumulated three of experience. I have gone through many episodes and have experienced them, both in the good and bad moments. That taught me a lot and is helping me this year. However, there is still a lot of work to do and there are many things to learn. The fact that the car is going strong and that the team is doing an incredible job also helps. As a person and as a driver, however, I feel calmer, more in control of the situation and more aware of my potential”. Click here to add Formula Passion as your favorite source on Google Discover: you will find our contents more easily!

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News , 2026-05-25 19:55:00