Sprint: between strategy and rotations Mercedes risked an own goal

Mercedes wins the Sprint race with George Russell, a result in line with predictions, but which turned out to be less obvious than it could have been. The internal duel with Antonelli, however exciting, risked nullifying the superiority of the W17s, also thanks to the strategic choices and driving approach. Lando Norris’s McLaren takes advantage of this, while Ferrari is forced to give way from mid-race onwards. Mercedes, too many errors The Canadian Sprint opens with excellent news for Mercedes, capable of defending the top positions, reaping the fruits of the work done on the software and clutch to improve starts. Net of this, however, Brackley’s team made a series of mistakes that seriously risk wasting what they built on Friday. First of all, the leaders of the standings are the only ones to start with a set of used tires with already six laps under their belt, then running into trouble in the second part of the race, not without other reckless actions. Above all, the internal derby between Russell and Antonelli stands out, decidedly exciting and which could represent a turning point in the relationship between the two Mercedes offspring. The Italian driver shows off a decidedly positive aggressiveness and boldness, which will however need to be measured in order not to take excessive risks. The fight between Kimi and George begins in the very first laps, when the two begin to push each other and lap up to 7-8 tenths faster than their pursuers, asking too much from the tyres, which in fact then take their toll at the end. Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images Mercedes comes close to disaster, however, with contact between Russell and Antonelli in turn 1, where the Englishman refuses to leave room for his teammate, and subsequently in turn 8, where the Italian tries to slip inside. Fortunately both manage to continue, but the advantage over Norris’ McLaren has now been squandered and the repeated blockages have certainly not helped the Silver Arrows’ tyres. At that point Russell was no longer able to shake off the world champion, but still managed to give Mercedes a victory that could have been much more comfortable. McLaren holds its own, Ferrari doesn’t. Taking advantage of the perfect storm at Mercedes is McLaren, taking home a 2nd and 4th place far beyond expectations. For the Woking team it now becomes essential to take advantage of the reopening of parc fermé, having to correct a starting set-up that is far from optimal. Ferrari, however, is forced to surrender. Hamilton and Leclerc initially kept pace with the leaders, only to then pay for the loss of the tyres, evidently strained in traction to defend themselves and attack on the straight in an attempt to compensate for the engine deficit. Things aren’t any better for Red Bull, never in a fight with Verstappen, always slower than the leading group from the first laps. Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images Surprisingly closing the points is Arvid Lindblad’s Racing Bulls, which on its debut on a decidedly treacherous track manages to extract the most from the updates of the Faenza team. The performance of the Cadillac was also excellent, finishing 11th with Perez before receiving a 10 second penalty. The Mexican took part in the Sprint on the soft tyres, which were decidedly convincing and could therefore also come into play in the Grand Prix. All this except for the weather, which on Sunday could offer the first wet race of the new technical cycle. Click here to add Formula Passion as your favorite source on Google Discover: you will find our content more easily!

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News , 2026-05-24 03:23:00