Former Haas group principal Guenther Steiner believes that the inner momentum and “sympathy” throughout the Mercedes storage may have naturally shifted in the direction of Kimi Antonelli after the Italian driver’s robust begin to 2026.
Antonelli has taken the paddock by storm in 2026. The 19-year-old has secured 5 consecutive grand prix wins, extending his lead within the drivers’ championship to 66 factors. In distinction, Geroge Russell has endured a irritating run of races.
Talking on The Purple Flags Podcast, Steiner argued that Antonelli’s spectacular performances will inevitably have shifted the dynamic within the Brackley outfit.
“I do not suppose [Russell] will get remoted, however for certain the shift of the sympathy of the folks within the group is now with Kimi, as a result of he is doing one thing particular. He is a 19-year-old child; all people desires to assist him.
“I do not suppose they isolate George, however that’s the place George must be robust as a result of he’ll now suppose, ‘Oh all people’s in opposition to me,’ however no, you should preserve the folks round you, and nonetheless inspire them.
George Russell, Mercedes
Picture by: Andrea Diodato / NurPhoto through Getty Photographs
“Nevertheless it’s comprehensible that every one the folks now are sympathetic or assist the winner as a result of he did one thing very particular, Kimi. That does not imply that they do not like George anymore, however George must consider that as nicely, not solely us.
“Within the group, they nonetheless respect George, however you’ll be able to think about how these folks really feel, this child coming alongside and successful 5 races in a row for them. All of them need to be related to him, and I am not saying that they do not like George anymore, but when there’s a favorite within the group, even when that is only one% extra love he will get, Kimi will get it.”
Russell heads into the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with the goal of breaking Antonelli’s successful streak. The Briton topped the timesheets within the first follow session.
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