Mercedes is facing a “certain” problem after the F1 season restarts, which might affect team orders for Russell and Antonelli.
Mercedes’ deputy team boss has already said there will be an ‘inevitable’ challenge once the 2026 F1 season kicks off again after the summer break.
Even though Kimi Antonelli is leading the Drivers’ Standings after 11 races, and George Russell sits third behind Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, the Silver Arrows might face some difficulties in the second half of the season.
This is because they’ve used more engine parts than they wanted, which likely means grid penalties will slow them down later on. McLaren’s Lando Norris faced something similar before the Belgian Grand Prix and got a 10-place grid drop for going over the allowed engine parts.
Drivers can only use up to four internal combustion engine components each season, and using more means automatic penalties on the starting grid.
Mercedes might choose to take these penalties smartly, like McLaren did at Spa, where the long straights made it easier to pass other cars. Team boss Toto Wolff has said Antonelli might take a penalty at the Italian Grand Prix, since Monza is good for overtaking.
Wolff explained in August: “Looking at how many parts we’ve used in the first half, some penalties are almost certain. It’s tough to finish the season on the current parts. We’ve got half a season left. Kimi’s on his fourth set, so the next ones bring penalties. George’s on his third for the first half.”
This could affect team strategy, with some fans thinking Mercedes should back Antonelli over Russell, as the young Italian seems the best chance for the title.
But deputy team boss Bradley Lord made it clear that Wolff wants to treat every race fairly.
“If a Mercedes can win, a Mercedes must win. That’s the priority,” Lord said in a mid-season interview. “The team comes first, and winning the Constructors’ Championship is our main goal.”
He added: “The battle has swung a lot—at one point, many thought only one driver could win the championship. But in just three races, that changed completely. We’re only halfway through, so it’s too soon to think about ‘what if’ scenarios.”
“We want to win both championships, no doubt, and we give ourselves the best chance by finishing with two cars in the highest spots possible, which we haven’t managed in any race this year.”
Lord also admitted that taking penalties is almost certain after the break.
“Looking at what we’ve used so far, it’s nearly impossible to avoid penalties. We need to get through the next half of the season, but Kimi’s already on his fourth set, so the next ones bring penalties. George’s on his third.”
F1 is back next weekend with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23.