The team will compete in the first Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit.
However, attention remains on the events at Monza.
Kimi Antonelli charged from 19th to victory at the Italian Grand Prix. He also overtook team-mate George Russell in the closing stages.
The result left Russell 66 points behind Antonelli in the championship.
Russell started second and looked set for a strong result. Instead, Antonelli produced the stronger pace during the race.
A key strategy call also helped the young Italian secure another important victory.
The Monza result highlighted Antonelli’s growing influence at Mercedes.
Time for Russell to play the team game
Former F1 driver Marc Surer discussed Russell’s situation with OLBG and Sports News Blitz.
Surer believes Russell now has to accept the current situation.
“Yes I think now he has to accept.
“I had a situation in my career…this is at the moment very hard, but then you have to accept to do your thing. This is what Russell has to do. With me, it’s when I had Nelson Piquet at Brabham. I had to accept that he can go faster than me. This is a moment you don’t like as a driver, but you have to live with it.
“And I think Russell has to say ‘I hope maybe the car suits me more next year, so my chance comes next year. But this year, I have no chance to beat this young guy. I have to accept it, and if I help him, I’m a team player.’
“You know, it’s good to show to the outside that ‘I helped with this young guy. It’s his year. It’s his chance, so I help him.’ It’s much better than fighting against him.”
Mercedes has already shown that it can use team orders when required.
The team’s internal dynamic has also changed as Antonelli builds his championship lead.
Russell remains the more experienced driver. Yet Antonelli’s consistency has made a major impact this season.
His Monza recovery added another impressive result to his campaign.
Looking ahead to Madrid
The Madring is a brand-new semi-street circuit.
Therefore, both Mercedes drivers will have limited experience of the track.
That could give Russell an opportunity to challenge Antonelli and score valuable points.
Still, the championship situation could affect Mercedes’ strategic decisions.
Russell’s approach may also reflect Surer’s advice. He can support the team while continuing to prepare for future opportunities.
A strong Madrid result would give Russell a chance to respond on track.
For Mercedes, cooperation between both sides of the garage will remain important.
The Madrid weekend will provide another test for the team and its two drivers.
It will also show how Mercedes manages the growing gap between Russell and Antonelli.
READ NEXT: Boxing news: Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn – Preview and prediction
