Mercedes inverts cars as Wolff explains strategy in Dutch GP
Formula1.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 6:47 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026

During the Dutch Grand Prix, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff explained the team's decision to switch Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in the final stages of the race. Antonelli, running in second place, pitted during a Virtual Safety Car, rejoining in third behind McLaren's Lando Norris and Russell. On Lap 65, Mercedes instructed Russell to let Antonelli pass, a move he initially questioned due to concerns over losing a potential double podium. Ultimately, Russell finished third while Antonelli retained second. Wolff addressed the strategy after the race, emphasizing that the switch was a logical decision to defend against Ferrari, who were closing in. He acknowledged the competitive and the challenges heading forward.
- •Toto Wolff explained the car inversion strategy during the Dutch GP.
- •Russell allowed Antonelli to pass for strategic positioning.
- •Antonelli pitted during a Virtual Safety Car, rejoining in third.
- •Both Russell and Antonelli finished P3 and P2, respectively.
- •Wolff acknowledged the ongoing competition with McLaren and Ferrari.
"Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has shared an insight into Mercedes' decision to switch Kimi Antonelli and George Russell during the closing stages of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Motorsport•Aug 23, 2026, 7:19 PMF1 Drivers Reveal How Close Verstappen Crash Came to Further Dutch GP Chaos
Motorsport•Aug 23, 2026, 6:47 PMNorris: McLaren have car capable of beating Merc
Motorsport•Aug 23, 2026, 6:38 PMFIA explains safety car formation lap after F1 driver criticism at Dutch GP
Motorsport•Aug 23, 2026, 6:15 PM'Could have been a lot worse' - Verstappen relieved after huge crash
Motorsport•Aug 23, 2026, 5:41 PMVerstappen admits getting caught out in huge Dutch GP crash
Motorsport•Aug 23, 2026, 5:15 PMHamilton on tense team radio: 'I'm trying to win'
