Antonelli’s consistency drives F1 title charge, says BBC correspondent

Kimi Antonelli’s pace and consistency have been the decisive factors in his Formula 1 title charge, BBC correspondent Andrew Benson says, though he credits the Mercedes driver with some good fortune and points to car set-up as a factor in team-mate George Russell’s struggles.

Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix from pole position and, according to the BBC report, can secure the championship in Mexico City by finishing ninth or higher. The 20-year-old leads Russell by 123 points, having won nine races to Russell’s three.

Benson says Mercedes has, on average, had the best car this season. But he argues Antonelli has been the only one of its two drivers consistently in contention, highlighting performances in Monaco, Monza and Austin. Safety cars in Japan and Madrid also helped turn some of Antonelli’s wins in his favour, Benson notes.

Russell has said the previous cars suited his driving style better, while the new ones have favoured Antonelli. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Russell struggled to find the right set-up in Austin with the latest upgrade package, which he said had caused problems since its introduction in Malaysia.

Wolff said Russell was not inherently slower than Antonelli and that Mercedes needed to understand what changes would help him perform. When the car falls outside a set-up window that suits Russell, Wolff said, he struggles more than Antonelli.

Benson describes driving style and set-up as genuine explanations for a driver’s difficulties, but says the very best drivers tend to find ways to perform despite a car’s behaviour. He suggests Russell will need to regroup over the winter and show he can match Antonelli next season.