Brundle Urges Russell to Challenge Mercedes VSC Call After 66-Point Title Gap Widens
Updated
Updated · Motorsport.com · Sep 6
Brundle Urges Russell to Challenge Mercedes VSC Call After 66-Point Title Gap Widens
3 articles · Updated · Motorsport.com · Sep 6
Summary
George Russell should demand answers from Mercedes after staying out under Monza’s virtual safety car while leading, Martin Brundle said, arguing the call may have cost him the Italian Grand Prix.
Mercedes instead pitted Kimi Antonelli for fresh medium tyres, and the 20-year-old recovered from the field to win his home race despite starting at the back after a power-unit penalty.
Brundle said the decision squandered Russell’s best chance to cut into the championship because Antonelli was vulnerable, but the result instead increased Russell’s deficit.
Naomi Schiff backed that view, saying Russell may later question why he was not given the cheaper VSC stop, since fresher tyres could have preserved the win.
Antonelli’s seventh Formula 1 victory at Monza left him 66 points clear of Russell in the standings, deepening Mercedes’ internal title tension.