Charles Leclerc is anticipating to present Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton a tow in Italian Grand Prix qualifying, with Kimi Antonelli prepared to assist Method 1 title rival George Russell at Mercedes.
Slipstreaming has all the time been paramount at Monza’s ‘Temple of Velocity’ on the subject of single-lap efficiency, and that is nonetheless the case in 2026 regardless of F1’s new equipment’s much less drastic downforce set-ups, plus energetic aerodynamics lowering the impact of the tow.
Again at Spa-Francorchamps, Isack Hadjar helped Purple Bull team-mate Max Verstappen clinch second place in qualifying after giving him a tow on the run to Blanchimont, proving that slipstreaming certainly remained efficient.
At Ferrari, drivers take turns to decide on by which order the vehicles exit in Q3. This time round, Hamilton will get to make the all-important resolution – although longtime tifosi favorite Leclerc makes it clear he gained’t sacrifice his personal probabilities.
“We have all the time had the identical philosophy over time, the place one time Lewis has the precedence to decide on the place he needs to start out, and one weekend is on me,” Leclerc defined. “This weekend Lewis could have the precedence, so I suppose he’ll go for the slipstream.
“Whether or not we’re going to compromise one qualifying somewhat than the opposite, I do not assume that can occur, however in fact if we may also help one another, making an attempt to start out the lap on the optimum distance between one another, that can be executed, and I will attempt to discover one other slipstream of another person, hoping to place myself in the very best place.”
Antonelli: “We’ve agreed on a couple of issues”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Picture by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Photographs by way of Getty Photographs
At Mercedes, the state of affairs is easier, with championship chief Antonelli given a brand new powertrain, exceeding his yearly quota for inner combustion engines, batteries and management electronics items – which ought to result in a back-of-the-grid begin.
On this context, Antonelli is anticipating to be required to present team-mate Russell a tow – though the Briton is a title rival – because it might make the distinction in opposition to Ferrari within the battle for pole place.
“It has been mentioned with the crew. And, sure, we now have agreed on a couple of issues,” the Italian confirmed.
“Let’s have a look at how the session develops. But when the crew will ask me to take action, I’ll do it. As a result of, clearly, I am not combating for… You already know, in fact, I’ll nonetheless be pleased to do pole, however, in fact, I am beginning on the again. So, if I might do something to assist the crew, I’ll do it.”
Antonelli at present enjoys a 59-point benefit over Russell and Hamilton within the drivers’ standings, with formally 11 extra rounds to go – together with Monza and the unsure Qatar and Abu Dhabi occasions.
Extra reporting by Ronald Vording
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