Mercedes Consider Team Orders Review as Hamilton Re-ignites Title Fight
Toto Wolff has hinted that Mercedes may rethink its policy of allowing George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to race freely, after the Barcelona Grand Prix exposed potential cost in a tightening 2026 Formula 1 title battle that now also features Lewis Hamilton. The Silver Arrows enjoyed a dominant start to the season, but recent setbacks and Ferrari’s resurgence have completely reshaped the championship picture.
Barcelona exposes cracks in Mercedes’ internal battle
With Antonelli leading the standings and Russell close behind, Wolff says the team must now consider whether internal racing should be limited when victories are at stake. Antonelli eventually passed his teammate late in the race, but by then Hamilton had already pulled clear, turning what could have been a stronger result into a missed opportunity for victory.
Mercedes also had to manage rising pressure from behind, warning both drivers that their battle was indirectly helping rivals close in. "When they are fighting each other it is fine, it can be very sporting, but when you are fighting against another car, sometimes you may have to let the faster one through,” Wolff explained.
Wolff weighs team orders amid rising championship pressure
Wolff admitted Mercedes may have left performance on the table in Spain, estimating the team “lost five or six seconds” as Russell and Antonelli fought each other on track. He stressed that discussions will take place internally, especially as Hamilton’s Ferrari form turns him into a serious championship threat just 41 points off the lead.
Hamilton’s resurgence changes the title equation
Hamilton’s return to winning form has added another layer of urgency for Mercedes. After a difficult 2025 campaign, the seven-time world champion has already returned to the podium multiple times this season, including a victory in Barcelona.
Wolff admitted he knows exactly what Hamilton is capable of when momentum builds. “If he smells blood, he goes… then it’s very difficult to stop it,” Wolff said, warning the title fight is now wide open.
Ferrari’s upgrade package has further strengthened Hamilton’s position, making him a constant threat to both Mercedes drivers in the standings.
Rosberg calls for prioritising team success over internal battles
Former world champion Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes may have been too cautious in Spain, arguing that the team should have prioritised race victory over driver equality. He pointed to past Mercedes strategy calls, including the 2016 Monaco GP, where he allowed Hamilton through to maximise the team’s result against Red Bull. “As soon as the team risks losing the victory, you drive together for the team’s win,” Rosberg said.
His comments echo a growing debate inside F1: when does fair racing between teammates start costing championships?
