Antonelli Set to Assist Russell at Monza

Kimi Antonelli is prepared to leverage his grid penalty at the Italian Grand Prix to assist his Mercedes teammate George Russell during qualifying at Monza.

Due to a fresh power-unit component installation, Antonelli will start from the back of the grid, making his qualifying position less significant. Mercedes is considering utilizing Antonelli to provide Russell with a slipstream on the long straights of the circuit.

Antonelli expressed his willingness to help the team, while Russell acknowledged the proposal and noted that they would attempt to implement it if conditions permit. However, executing a tow effectively requires careful coordination between the drivers to avoid compromising their performance or getting caught in traffic. Additionally, the 2026 energy restrictions may complicate the situation, as reduced electrical deployment could enhance the aerodynamic benefits of following another car.