Mercedes review racing rules as Lewis Hamilton closes championship gap

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the team will review how Kimi Antonelli and George Russell race each other to protect their championship lead against a resurgent Lewis Hamilton.

The Silver Arrows drivers lost crucial time battling for the lead at the recent Spanish Grand Prix.

That mid-race duel allowed their former team-mate, charging on fresh tyres after a second pit stop, to catch and pass the pair for Ferrari.

Hamilton secured his first Sunday victory of the 2026 season in Barcelona, while Antonelli suffered a late retirement.

Closing the championship gap

The seven-time world champion has now reduced the young Italian’s lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to just 41 points.

He also extended his advantage over Russell to nine points, shifting the dynamic within the title race.

Wolff acknowledged that the growing threat from the Scuderia necessitates a strategic rethink ahead of the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix.

“We didn’t interfere in them fighting, because that’s how we’ve always raced.”

Recalibrating for the title fight

The Austrian executive stressed the need to evaluate how to handle future pace differentials when a race victory is at risk.

This is not the first time the Mercedes duo have clashed on track this campaign.

The pair almost collided during both the Sprint and Grand Prix in Canada last month after going wheel-to-wheel.

“There is a third party now getting involved in the championship fight, constructor and driver.”

Wolff wary of former driver

Prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, Antonelli had suggested the team were comfortable with them racing freely provided there was mutual respect.

However, the growing momentum behind the Maranello-based squad means internal discussions are now required to prevent the team-mates from holding each other up.

“If he smells blood, he goes.”

Wolff remains acutely aware of the danger posed by the veteran British driver as the season intensifies.