Antonelli will help Russell before his Monza recovery drive

Kimi Antonelli will start from the back at Monza after a planned full power-unit replacement. His own qualifying position will have little effect on where he starts, allowing Mercedes to use his session differently. The team has discussed giving George Russell a tow, and Antonelli says he will do it if requested and if the session allows.

The benefit is not automatic. Russell believes the slipstream is weaker with 2026 active aerodynamics in straight-line mode, but hundredths can still decide grid positions at Monza. With Ferrari bringing an upgraded engine and McLaren on two straight wins, helping Russell start higher is the clearest way to protect Mercedes in the constructors’ fight.

Antonelli leads Russell by 59 points and sees a top-five finish from the back as realistic. His weekend will be race-focused: overtaking set-up, energy management and minimising time lost in traffic. Saturday’s cooperation can protect the team; Sunday will show how many points the championship leader can save.