Mercedes technical director James Allison has rejected claims the team is favouring either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli during their 2026 Formula 1 title fight.
The subject has become louder after a run of costly Mercedes setbacks, with Russell retiring from the lead in Canada and Antonelli losing second place late in Barcelona. Allison addressed the noise on Mercedes’ Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, with Autosport reporting via Yahoo Sports that he described the idea of deliberate favouritism inside the team as alien to its working culture.
Mercedes Need Both Russell And Antonelli Scoring
Allison’s central point was blunt: Mercedes are primarily judged, rewarded and organised around the constructors’ championship, not one driver’s personal campaign. In that context, favouring Russell over Antonelli, or Antonelli over Russell, would make little sporting or financial sense while both remain in contention.
The intervention matters because Mercedes are balancing two problems at once. Their car has been quick enough to put both drivers at the front, but battery-related reliability issues have cost major points and sharpened every debate around team management.
Russell and Antonelli are still free to race, but Allison made clear the team only has reason to intervene if one driver can no longer win the drivers’ title and the other is fighting a rival from another team. Until then, Mercedes’ message is simple: the priority is maximum points from both cars.
