During the opening practice session at Monza, George Russell took to the social‑media platform X to clarify Mercedes‑F1’s approach for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix qualifying. He confirmed that the team will work as a single unit, with teammate Kimi Antonelli positioned to give Russell a tow in the final stages of the session. Russell stressed that this plan is part of the team’s broader strategy to secure the best possible grid positions for both drivers before Antonelli’s one‑lap grid penalty takes effect for the race.
Per Formula1.com, Russell said the tow would be executed in the last 10–15 seconds of the session, allowing him to push the car to its limits without the usual intra‑team battle that often occurs at the front of the grid. The move is designed to maximise the advantage of Mercedes’ power unit and aerodynamic package, ensuring that both drivers start the race as high as possible. The plan also reflects the team’s confidence in Antonelli’s pace, who has shown strong performance in the early part of the season.
Formula 1 echoed the same details, noting that the tow would be a tactical decision rather than a concession. Russell added that the team’s cooperation is a sign of the strong partnership between the two drivers, who have been working closely on car development and race strategy. The announcement comes at a time when Mercedes is looking to consolidate its position in the Constructors’ Championship, and a solid qualifying performance at Monza could be pivotal.
For Indian fans, the Italian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on 25th September, with the race starting at 5:00 PM IST. Viewers can catch the live coverage on FanCode, where the full race, including qualifying, will be streamed in high definition. Fans should tune in early to catch the qualifying session, which will be broadcast live on FanCode’s dedicated F1 channel.
Source: Formula1.com
