After a frustrating outing in Imola, George Russell is calling on Mercedes to respond quickly as the team gears up for what could be a pivotal weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix. With the introduction of a mandatory two-stop regulation in Monte Carlo, Russell believes opportunity may come from disruption.
Russell’s run to seventh at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix marked his first non-top-five finish of the season, a result he candidly labeled one of the team’s “worst days in years” based on raw performance.
“It wasn’t the updates,” Russell clarified, addressing questions about Mercedes’ recent development package. “The issue was the tyres. When the track surface is old and the temperatures are high, that’s where we’ve struggled historically.”
The Briton had started third on the grid, raising hopes for another strong points haul, but quickly faded as Mercedes failed to keep pace with front-runners McLaren and Red Bull. “On a good day we’re fighting for P3,” he explained. “But when things don’t fall our way, we slip back to P5 or P6. In Imola, we just didn’t have the edge. We need to find performance—quickly.”
A Strategic Shake-Up in the Streets of Monte Carlo
Russell, however, sees this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix as a potential turning point—not just for Mercedes, but for the racing spectacle itself. This year’s edition comes with a twist: all drivers must make two pit stops across the 78-lap race, a strategic curveball designed to inject life into a circuit where overtaking is notoriously scarce.
“Qualifying here is always electric, but the race can get processional,” Russell said. “Now, with a mandatory second stop, there’s a real chance to shake things up. It’s a genuine opportunity.”
The regulation could create a window for teams like Mercedes to outmaneuver rivals strategically, particularly if the weather or Safety Cars come into play.
Antonelli Looking to Reset After Imola Setback
For Russell’s rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli, Monaco represents a chance to bounce back after a challenging home race at Imola. The young Italian failed to progress into Q3 and later retired due to a technical issue. He also admitted that the weight of expectations—and off-track distractions—had taken a toll.
“When I got in the car, I could tell I wasn’t myself,” Antonelli confessed. “It was a valuable lesson. This weekend, I want to be calm, focused, and avoid the same mistakes. I didn’t manage it well last time, and the performance showed that.”
Mercedes now enters Monaco under pressure but not without promise. For Russell, who’s consistently carried the team with four podiums in seven rounds, the challenge is clear—and so is the potential reward if the Brackley-based squad can capitalize on unpredictability.
