{
  "id": 10973747,
  "title": "Wolff: Antonelli, Russell get equal shot, but Mercedes comes first",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/wolff-antonelli-russell-get-equal-shot-but-mercedes-comes-first",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T15:04:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/09/1544931/wolff-antonelli-russell-get-equal-shot-mercedes-comes-first"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kuala Lumpur - Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has announced that both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will be given equal chances to chase the Formula One title. However, Wolff emphasized that the team's first priority will always be Mercedes, and not the individual ambitions of the drivers. Russell has narrowed the gap to championship leader Antonelli following recent strong performances, while the team leads the constructors' standings with 578 points. The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held from October 2-4 at Sepang International Circuit, where the two drivers will face each other.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will receive equal opportunities in their championship battle, but Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reminded the duo that the \"team come first\" philosophy will not be compromised in their keen battle for the title.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Mercedes boss insists team comes first, but Russell–Antonelli duel adds intrigue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/mercedes-boss-insists-team-comes-first-but-russell-antonelli-duel",
        "published": "2026-09-30T11:26:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}