1997 Components 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has pointed to a weak spot in Mercedes’ 2026 equipment.
Whereas the Brackley outfit has had a dominant begin to the season, profitable each grand prix and dash race so far, Villeneuve has claimed that the Mercedes struggles to struggle in soiled air.
Antonelli turned the youngest driver to guide the drivers’ standings after his second win of the season on the Japanese Grand Prix. The Italian driver transformed pole place right into a race win, however solely after a horrible begin left him making his means again up the grid. He capitalised on a well-timed security automobile to take again the lead of the race, and maintained his place to the chequered flag.
“Effectively, he was the quickest automobile all weekend. So profitable was logical, however he actually tousled his begin. So then does that basically make you a winner deserving? Who is aware of?” Villeneuve instructed F1 TV after the race.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Picture by: Andy Hone/ LAT Photos by way of Getty Photos
“And he had a tough time to come back again via the sector. And it was the identical factor for Russell. Evidently the automobile in site visitors, all the opposite ones can struggle, can keep in site visitors, the Mercedes cannot. They should be within the recent air.
“Then, clearly, somewhat little bit of a serving to hand [from the safety car]. And he maximised that state of affairs. He was excellent at that. And if you need to win a race, you additionally must take the conditions and put them in your favour.”
Antonelli’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell completed fourth after dealing with comparable points with site visitors. Having pitted one lap earlier than the security automobile was deployed, he misplaced out to those that may gain advantage from a ‘low-cost’ pitstop underneath security automobile circumstances. He was then pressured to battle via the sector to take fourth place.
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Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
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Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
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Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
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Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
Japanese GP – Sunday, in photographs
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