Mercedes prioritizes constructors' title over aiding Kimi Antonelli's bid
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 5:01 AM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026

Mercedes has confirmed it will not provide Kimi Antonelli with preferential treatment in his pursuit of the Formula 1 world championship. The team remains focused on winning the constructors' championship, despite Antonelli currently leading the drivers' standings while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are also in contention. Deputy team principal Bradley Lord emphasized that the team's priority is to ensure the best-performing car wins races, stating that achieving reliability and performance across both cars is crucial. As the 2026 season progresses, Mercedes aims to improve its results and support both drivers while safeguarding its team objectives.
- •Mercedes confirms focus on constructors' championship over driver support.
- •Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' standings amid strong competition.
- •George Russell and Lewis Hamilton also in contention for the title.
- •Team prioritizes winning races with the most competitive car.
- •Deputy team principal emphasizes the need for reliability and performance.
- 5:01 AMYahoo Sports — Mercedes chooses the constructors' title over prioritizing Kimi Antonelli's title chances
"For now, Mercedes has no plans to give Kimi Antonelli preferential treatment to help secure his first Formula 1 world championship, despite what happened in the 2025 title battle between the two McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen. The team confirmed that winning the constructors' championship remains its primary target.
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