Mercedes to Avoid Driver Prioritisation After Belgian GP

Kimi Antonelli Takes Comfortable Lead

Antonelli finished ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the Ardennes hills, building a 45‑point cushion over seven‑time champion Lewis Hamilton. The 19‑year‑old now leads the standings after his Belgian GP victory. Hamilton, who benefited from a collision that forced George Russell out on lap one, sits second with the move giving him new momentum.

George Russell’s Lap‑1 DNF and Its Impact

Russell dropped 50 points behind his teenage teammate when a collision with Hamilton sent him spinning early in the race. The incident not only cost him a chance at the podium but also reshaped the driver championship picture. Mercedes’ 358‑point Constructors’ lead remains intact, though reliability concerns linger.

Mercedes’ No‑Orders Policy and Team Focus

Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that the Silver Arrows will not favour one driver based on current standings, echoing lessons from Barcelona where internal battles helped Hamilton claim his first Ferrari win. “We will never take a victory away from Antonelli or Russell,” Wolff said, stressing that the Constructors’ fight is as important as the Drivers’ tally. If George were ahead on track, even with a championship deficit, the team would still respect his position.

Reliability Concerns and the Yo‑Yo Effect

While Mercedes enjoys a healthy Constructors’ advantage over Ferrari (358 to 285 points), Wolff highlighted reliability as a weakness and warned of a potential “yo‑yoing” between the two drivers. Such internal friction could give rivals like Ferrari a window to close the gap. Hamilton, now second, remains a threat as the season continues.

Wolff on Russell’s Disappointment and Future Hope

After Russell described feeling “numb to disappointment” following repeated bad luck in 2026, Wolff expressed hope the Briton can rebound and reclaim his form. He reminded fans that driving for Mercedes is an elite honour, and that setbacks affect both the driver and the team. The team principal believes the young driver’s emotion is natural but also part of a high‑pressure environment.

Photo: Race Pictures