Antonelli will obey Mercedes orders to help ‘tow’ teammate Russell

Kimi Antonelli, the reigning Formula One World Champion, has announced that he will assist his Mercedes teammate and title rival, George Russell, by providing a tow during qualifying if requested at the Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli, who leads Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s George Russell by 59 points, will start from the back of the grid due to penalties after taking a new power unit.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Antonelli remains optimistic about the race, stating that he will be able to enjoy it more than before and still have a good race. When asked about slipstreaming at Monza to help Russell, Antonelli confirmed that the possibility has been discussed with the team and that he would obey the team's orders if requested.

He expressed his excitement about the upcoming race and highlighted the potential for other teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull to perform well. The Italian Grand Prix track, known for its high-speed corners, is considered more energy-starved than most due to the hybrid power units' limitations, making slipstreaming an efficient way to reduce drag and conserve energy.