Former Formula 1 champion Juan Pablo Montoya has urged Mercedes to accelerate its upgrade cycle before the Austrian Grand Prix.
Montoya’s Upgrade Call
Speaking on F1 TV’s Weekend Warm‑up show, Montoya warned that the Brackley outfit must introduce higher‑frequency improvements or risk trail‑behind the mid‑season development race.
He noted that Mercedes “has been comfortable delivering an upgrade at Canada and then waiting for the next one at Silverstone” and asked whether “those big packages will close the gap”. “If everyone else introduces small upgrades and they wait for big ones, it makes it harder to catch up,” Montoya said.
Mercedes’ Stellar Opening
Mercedes has logged a record‑breaking start to 2026: George Russell triumphed in the season‑opening Australian Grand Prix and a sprint in China, while Kimi Antonelli claimed five consecutive race wins in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco.
Antonelli now leads the standings with 156 points, the youngest driver to top the championship in the sport’s history. Lewis Hamilton follows in second place with 115 points after winning Barcelona as a Ferrari; George Russell sits third with 106 points.
Fast‑Track to the Red Bull Ring
The Austrian Grand Prix will unfold at the Red Bull Ring on 28 June (2 pm UK time). Teams and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether Mercedes can shift its upgrade strategy in time for the event.
"