Former Formula 1 driver and F1 TV analyst Jolyon Palmer believes George Russell is feeling the pressure at Mercedes, claiming the Briton is still falling short of team-mate Kimi Antonelli following the Dutch Grand Prix.
Mercedes enjoyed a strong weekend at Zandvoort, securing a double podium behind McLaren's Lando Norris. However, a late team-order decision involving Russell and Antonelli became one of the main talking points after the race.
Key Highlights
- Jolyon Palmer believes George Russell is still not matching Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes after the Dutch Grand Prix.
- Mercedes secured a double podium at Zandvoort, with Antonelli finishing second and Russell third behind Lando Norris.
- Russell was instructed to give up track position to Antonelli after the Italian returned from a pitstop on fresh tyres.
- Russell now sits second in the drivers' standings on 183 points, level with Lewis Hamilton, while Antonelli leads with 242 points.
Mercedes' Late Team Order Sparks Debate
Antonelli had been running ahead of Russell before Mercedes decided to bring the Italian in for a pitstop. After returning to the circuit on fresh tyres, the Mercedes pitwall instructed Russell to give up his position.
Russell questioned the decision over team radio at the time, warning that the move could potentially cost Mercedes a double podium. However, he later admitted after the race that the team had made the right call. Palmer believes Russell will understand Mercedes' reasoning, even if the decision was frustrating after a difficult race.
"I can see the logic of Mercedes. I think George will probably see it," Palmer told F1 TV. "He's going to be a bit annoyed. He's had a tough day. The starts were obviously really, really difficult. Dropped behind Oscar at the second getaway, and that put the distance between him and the top two."
Palmer Highlights Antonelli's Strong Form
While Russell ultimately finished third, Palmer believes the Briton lacked the necessary pace to challenge the drivers ahead. "But he didn't really have the pace today in the end. I'm happy he's had a better weekend, but he's still not there."
Palmer also highlighted Antonelli's consistency and strong performances throughout the season, suggesting that the Italian's form is increasing the pressure on Russell. "If we're talking about drivers of the season, I mean, Kimi once again has just executed really well. Not quite a win today, but every weekend he's also amazing. So, the pressure is on George."
The former F1 driver believes Russell may ultimately recognise that he still has work to do after a difficult weekend. "And I think when the dust settles, he'll say, 'Actually, I wasn't quite there today for whatever reason, particularly the starts, and I still have a bit of work to do.'"
Russell Second in Championship Standings
Russell's third-place finish at Zandvoort moved him into second place in the drivers' championship, ahead of Lewis Hamilton. However, the Mercedes pair are level on points, with both drivers having 183. Antonelli remains at the top of the championship standings with 242 points, giving him a 59-point lead over Russell and Hamilton.
With Antonelli continuing to deliver strong performances, Palmer believes the pressure is now firmly on Russell to close the gap to his younger Mercedes team-mate.
