Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, reports that Mercedes’ internal focus has now gravitated toward 19‑year‑old Kimi Antonelli following his five‑race winning streak, putting the Italian 66 points ahead in the drivers’ championship.
Antonelli’s momentum is undeniable. After each of the last five Grands Prix, the Italian driver has secured victory, extending his lead over rivals and cementing his status as the season’s most dominant figure. Steiner’s remarks on The Red Flags Podcast suggest that the team’s “sympathy” naturally aligns with the champion’s continued success.
“I don’t think [Russell] is isolated,” Steiner told the audience, “but the shift in sympathy inside the Mercedes garage is now with Kimi.” He added that the team still supports George Russell, yet acknowledges a subtle preference for the young winner that could influence morale. Steiner cautioned Russell to remain resilient, noting that the British driver might feel pressure from the perceived shift but should keep allies close and stay motivated.
Russell sets sights on Barcelona
Heading into the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix, Russell aims to halt Antonelli’s streak. In the first practice session, the Briton topped the timesheets, signalling his intent to challenge the reigning champion’s dominance.
As the calendar tightens, the pressure mounts for Mercedes’ duo. Should Russell succeed, he could reverse the narrative currently dominated by Antonelli’s rapid rise and re‑establish the team’s competitive balance. The next race will determine whether the crowd’s new favourite can retain his hard‑earned supremacy or if Russell will once again prove himself a formidable contender.
"