Russell Says Mercedes' VSC Split Cost Him Italian GP Win to Antonelli by 66 Points
Updated
Updated · Formula 1 · Sep 6
Russell Says Mercedes' VSC Split Cost Him Italian GP Win to Antonelli by 66 Points
3 articles · Updated · Formula 1 · Sep 6
Summary
George Russell said he was "surprised" Mercedes pitted Kimi Antonelli under the Virtual Safety Car, a split call that left Russell exposed on aging hard tyres and ultimately second at Monza.
Fresh tyres let Antonelli recover after the stop and pass Russell in the closing laps, turning a race Russell had led for long stretches after overtaking polesitter Pierre Gasly early.
Russell said he had expected both Mercedes cars to stay out and called the strategy "a roll of the dice," adding the team could not know in the moment which option would prove quicker.
P2 still gave Russell a needed rebound after a difficult run before the summer break, while Antonelli's comeback from 19th extended the Mercedes driver's championship lead to 66 points.