Antonelli reveals Mercedes' intra-team rules in Austria

Kimi Antonelli is gearing up for the Austrian Grand Prix with a focus on recovery following his first retirement of the season in Barcelona. Despite holding a 41-point lead in the standings, the Mercedes driver acknowledges the intensifying competition, particularly from Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell. Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Antonelli emphasized the need to maximize every opportunity and remain consistent. He acknowledged that the title fight will be far from easy, noting that Ferrari's recent power unit upgrades and the strong form of his rivals mean he must stay fully focused throughout the season. Regarding internal team dynamics, Antonelli addressed the recent wheel-to-wheel battles with teammate Russell. He confirmed that Mercedes has established a clear strategy for the remainder of the season, clarifying that while they will be free to race each other under normal circumstances, the team will implement different protocols if they find themselves under direct threat from rival teams.