McLaren Formula 1 Team head into Monza with momentum on their side, while Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team face a tougher challenge. With the Italian Grand Prix offering little room for error, Mercedes may need to make the most of every opportunity.

Mercedes driver George Russell has revealed that teammate Kimi Antonelli is set to help him with a tow during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix. The Mercedes plan could give Russell a top-speed boost around Monza as he looks to fight for pole. 

“The momentum is with McLaren right now,” Russell said. “Ferrari has upgrades this weekend. We know Red Bull has a strong power unit. So, I honestly think this weekend it could be between any of the top-four teams, but I hope it’s us.” 

Kimi Antonelli’s situation at Monza is different from Russell’s after a full power unit change on his Mercedes. The change means the Italian will drop to the back of the grid for his home race, taking him out of the fight for pole position, as per Formula1.com.

The penalty also comes as Antonelli leads Russell by 59 points in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship. Antonelli has taken six Grand Prix wins this season, while Russell has won twice.

Mercedes had been behind McLaren in the recent rounds, with Lando Norris winning at both the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix.

However, Russell’s FP2 pace at Monza offered a different picture, as he topped the session with a 1:22.559, ahead of Charles Leclerc and teammate Kimi Antonelli.

With Antonelli already set to start from the back, Mercedes can use his qualifying position to help Russell. Monza’s long straights make a slipstream useful, as Russell could gain extra top speed by following Antonelli closely. 

Russell also confirmed that Mercedes has already offered the tow plan for Qualifying. 

“I hope so,” Russell said. “They offered it, and we’ll go for it, see if it works.” 

Mercedes will hope Antonelli’s tow can give Russell the extra edge he needs in Qualifying. With McLaren carrying the momentum, Russell will need to make the most of every advantage at Monza. 

While Mercedes looks to make the most of the situation in Qualifying, Antonelli has also opened up about how he is approaching his home race and the pressure that comes with it. 

Kimi Antonelli reveals his mindset ahead of home race

Kimi Antonelli has opened up on his mindset ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, admitting that starting from the back has helped ease some of the pressure of racing in front of his home crowd.

“I think [starting from the back] in some ways helps to release pressure,” Antonelli said, according to Formula1.com. “But in some way it makes me a bit more relaxed going into the weekend.”

The Mercedes driver admitted he would rather fight for pole, but believes he can enjoy the driving and the weekend more this time around.

“I think it's going to be very enjoyable – I will be able to enjoy it much more than what I did previously,” Antonelli added.

Antonelli also described the situation as a “big opportunity” and hopes to make the most of it during his home Grand Prix.

With the pressure eased, the Mercedes driver will now look to make the most of his home race despite starting from the back.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Rudra Dubey