Shovlin: Russell and Antonelli can keep racing each other, subject to conditions

Mercedes has so far barely intervened in the on-track battles between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. That is according to Andrew Shovlin, the team's trackside engineering director, as reported by RacingNews365. In a publication dated 23 September, the outlet quotes his comments from the Nu Silver Arrows Radioshow. His starting point: as long as the drivers do what Mercedes asks of them, they are free to race each other.

Shovlin's argument is primarily about sporting performance. He believes both drivers should start every weekend thinking they can win, with the team's support. He expects this to help them get the best out of themselves. He therefore thinks this approach will probably benefit both the constructors' and drivers' championships.

The duels in Canada and at Monza show that Mercedes places limits on that freedom. RacingNews365 describes a battle for the lead lasting several laps in Canada and a fight between the team-mates for victory at Monza. According to Shovlin, Monza was easier to watch. In Canada, he felt the drivers went slightly further than the team would have liked.

The freedom to fight for victory does not, however, mean the two are also close in the title race. According to RacingNews365, Antonelli leads the championship by 81 points over Russell. That sizeable margin puts the impression of a head-to-head title fight into perspective, even though retirements or bad luck could still change the balance.

The specific rules Mercedes gives its drivers are not set out. Shovlin's explanation is therefore not a promise that the team will never intervene with team orders.