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Martin Brundle senses Mercedes would ‘prefer’ Kimi Antonelli to win the title over George Russell

Toto Wolff insists Mercedes are taking a ‘may the best man win’ approach to the F1 title race, but Martin Brundle’s ‘gut’ says different. Coming…

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 8:01 AM
Martin Brundle senses Mercedes would ‘prefer’ Kimi Antonelli to win the title over George Russell
Key Things to Know
  • Martin Brundle believes Mercedes would privately prefer Kimi Antonelli to win the title over George Russell.
  • Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insisted both drivers receive equal opportunities with no favoritism shown.
  • Antonelli led Mercedes teammate Russell by 66 points entering the race weekend.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle stated he senses Mercedes would prefer Kimi Antonelli to win the Formula 1 world title over teammate George Russell. Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insisted the team maintains a neutral, equal-opportunity approach between both drivers, Brundle noted that his personal instinct suggests otherwise following private conversations with Wolff.

Antonelli entered the race weekend holding a 66-point lead over Russell in the drivers' championship standings. The 20-year-old Italian is in his second Formula 1 season and aiming to become the youngest world champion in history, while Wolff reiterated that his conscience would not permit him to favor either driver.

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