Mercedes’ internal tensions building? Antonelli’s strong form increases pressure on Russell ahead of the Canadian GP

MONTREAL, May 21 — Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli is targeting a remarkable fourth straight win to strengthen his Formula One title challenge this weekend, but expects a strong reply from Mercedes teammate George Russell at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old leads Russell—nine years his senior and a pre-season title favourite—by 20 points after four rounds of the 22-race season, with Mercedes introducing a significant upgrade package.

For Russell, the weekend represents a chance to reassert himself within the team after two fourth-place finishes have allowed Antonelli to dominate recent headlines and enjoy life at the top of the podium.

“I am expecting George, for sure, to be super-strong again in Canada,” said Antonelli, whose rapid rise, trademark smile and curly hair have made him a standout figure in Italian sport.

“He’s always been strong in Montreal and he won last year so I have to be ready and fully focused. I will do my best.”

Russell, who secured pole and victory in Montreal last year, will again be aiming to capitalise on his strong record at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where he also took pole in 2024, and will be confident of contending in both the sprint and main race.

Antonelli finished on the podium in third at last year’s event after qualifying fourth, and now hopes to become the first Italian since Alberto Ascari in 1952 to win four consecutive Grand Prix races.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has downplayed growing hype around Antonelli, urging calm and consistency.

“Performance is only performance when it is delivered on track,” he said.

“We are just four races into the season and there is a long year ahead. It is an important race for us, but it does not decide anything. So we stay balanced, keep learning and execute as well as we can.”

Elsewhere in the field, Mercedes’ rivals Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are expected to pose a serious challenge. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, fresh from competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, will look to add to his previous victories in Canada.

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who impressed in last year’s sprint race, will also be contenders, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc remain in the mix despite concerns raised by team boss Fred Vasseur over recent rule changes affecting race starts.

Home favourite Lance Stroll will be the only Canadian on the grid, but both he and Aston Martin teammate Fernando Alonso face a difficult weekend amid ongoing performance struggles.

Alonso has also hinted that he may retire from Formula One, with a decision expected during the summer portion of the season. — AFP