Double Mercedes podium
The latest edition of the Dutch Grand Prix ended with Lando Norris’s second consecutive win of the season, once again on the top step of the podium after his victory in Hungary. The reigning world champion managed to outperform the two Mercedes drivers: Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Thanks to this result, the Bolognese championship leader increased his overall lead in the standings over Lewis Hamilton, 4th at the finish but especially disappointed with his team for the tactical management that would have allowed him to fight for the podium.
Difficulty in the last stints
Unlike the Red, Mercedes implemented a strategy that allowed Antonelli to move into second place. Struggling with the management of the hard tires, the Italian driver came into the pits during the Virtual Safety Car to fit the softs, dropping behind Russell. Shortly after, the British driver gave way to his teammate respecting the team order. In the second part of the race, Antonelli therefore encountered difficulties managing the tires:
“It was a very strange stint because I was sliding a lot and the rear was really unstable – he said to Sky Sport – in the first stint I felt good in the car, but already from the second I started to struggle a bit, and the third was difficult, very difficult. We will have to see why it didn’t go well, but the second place was the best we could do“.
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The return to Monza
The next world championship appointment will be very special for Antonelli, despite the already certain penalty he will have to serve for the power unit replacement. At the end of 2024, the Bolognese was officially announced as a new Mercedes driver for the following year on the occasion of the Italian GP in Monza, making his debut during FP1 (which ended almost immediately due to an impact against the barriers). Two years later, the return to the ‘Temple of Speed’ will see him as the championship leader: “I don’t feel pressure – he added – I think I will enjoy the weekend much more than last year. Yes, I will take the penalty, but I believe it will still be a great opportunity to have a good race and to bring home important points. I definitely can’t wait to go to Monza and enjoy the weekend.”
