What was behind a lack of pace for Mercedes at F1 Austrian GP?
For Mercedes, the joy of winning the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix evaporated in the heat of Austria as George Russell came home fifth – more than a minute behind the dominant McLarens having targeted a podium the day before. Instead, under the searing sun at the Red Bull Ring, the W16 was the protagonist […]
Wolff reveals «I’m sorry» text from Vowles as Williams adds to Mercedes’ woes in Monaco
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed a text exchange during the Monaco Grand Prix with Williams counterpart James Vowles who apologised for his drivers backing up George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Wolff and Vowles are good friends, with the latter have worked under Wolff at Mercedes before taking the top job at Williams, […]
Where Wolff thinks Antonelli must improve during rookie F1 campaign
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rookie Formula 1 season has so far reassured Mercedes in terms of raw speed and potential, but team boss Toto Wolff and his driver do expect a noticeable step forward as far as race pace is concerned. Antonelli had a breakthrough weekend in Miami as he outqualified highly rated team-mate George Russell […]
Where Mercedes has been losing out in F1 2025
If you look at Formula 1’s 2025 drivers’ standings, you’d be forgiven for thinking Mercedes’ George Russell has a shot at the title. The 27-year-old Briton has been a paragon of consistency thus far, completing every single qualifying session and race – even the sprint ones – in the top five, with four grand prix […]
Post-race penalties jumble up Miami F1 sprint classification
Yuki Tsunoda was promoted from ninth to sixth in the results of Formula 1’s Miami sprint race following penalties for Alex Albon, Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Pierre Gasly also cycling into points-paying positions once the race concluded. On lap 14 of the 18-lap wet-to-dry contest, Racing Bulls driver Lawson […]
Mercedes’ Russell and Antonelli receive grid drop for Bahrain qualifying error
Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have received a one-place grid drop each for a Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying infraction. Russell loses his front-row spot to Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, while Alpine driver Pierre Gasly is promoted to fourth on the grid at Antonelli’s expense. After Q2 was red flagged for a crash […]
How a trio of rookies impressed at the F1 Japanese GP
For a circuit as famously difficult to master as Suzuka, seeing three Formula 1 rookies secure points during the Japanese Grand Prix is a testament to the ability of the new breed of driver coming through the ranks. While reigning world champion Max Verstappen sealed a fine victory ahead of the chasing McLaren pair of […]
How Antonelli earned ‘driver of the day’ status in Chinese GP
When Formula 1 revealed that Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli had won its driver of the day poll, having crossed the finishing line in eighth place, this news generated the customarily sneering response. When team boss Toto Wolff congratulated his driver over the team radio, the eye-rolling was almost palpable. And yet, while the results […]
Tears, tribulations and impressing Toto – F1 rookies round-up
Despite the majority having previous Formula 1 experience, history will reflect that six rookies started the 2025 season at the Australian Grand Prix – and it was a chastening experience for all but one of them. While the changeable conditions saw four crash out, plus one endured a tough weekend and finished last, Andrea Kimi […]