Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli heads into this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix knowing he will lead the Formula 1 drivers’ championship into the summer break, but the team are aware they cannot afford to relax.
Antonelli secured his sixth victory of the season at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend, starting from pole position and extending his championship advantage to 45 points. His impressive performances have shown he has adapted well to the new hybrid era, which requires careful management of battery power and engine performance.
While Antonelli continues to impress, teammate George Russell has faced more difficulties. Russell is currently third in the championship, 50 points behind his teammate, and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted the team needs to turn more strong performances into results.
“We have shown in every race that the performance is there, but we have not converted enough of that potential into results,” Wolff said. “We have lost points through our own mistakes and we know we need to improve.”
Wolff also insisted Mercedes will not favour one driver over the other in the title fight, saying the team will always allow either Antonelli or Russell to fight for victory.
“We will never take a victory away from either driver, whether it is Kimi or George who is ahead,” he said.
Ferrari have been improving in recent races and Wolff admitted they could become a serious threat, but he dismissed reports linking Antonelli with a move to the Italian team.
“We are aware of it, but Kimi has been a Mercedes driver since he was 11 years old. Ferrari should have made their move six or seven years ago,” Wolff said.
Ferrari are expected to be strong at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton aiming to match his record of nine victories at the same circuit. Charles Leclerc has also shown good form after taking pole position in Belgium and finishing fourth.
McLaren and Red Bull are also expected to challenge, with Max Verstappen finishing third in Belgium, but Antonelli and Hamilton are likely to be among the favourites for victory at the Hungaroring.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin are hoping to improve their disappointing season with a major upgrade package designed by legendary engineer Adrian Newey. The team have scored only one point so far this year and are looking for a turnaround in the second half of the season.
