MERCEDES SHOOTS DOWN FAVOURITISM SPECULATION BETWEEN GEORGE RUSSELL AND KIMI ANTONELLI

Mercedes technical director James Allison shot down speculation that the team favors either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli. Allison blasted claims of internal favoritism as "utterly alien" to Mercedes' culture. Underlining the Constructors' Championship as paramount for prize money, Mercedes needs both drivers maximizing points. The team aims for a 1-2 finish every race, indifferent to the order unless one driver is mathematically out of contention and the other is battling a rival.

Speculation ignited after Russell and Antonelli's on-track fight at the Barcelona GP, costing them time and, some suggested, inadvertently aiding Hamilton's win. Allison admitted Mercedes lacked outright pace in Barcelona, crediting Ferrari's significant upgrades for closing the performance gap. While the VSC timing aided Hamilton’s win, Allison underscored the team's overall lack of pace. The season's momentum will now hinge on the effectiveness and timing of upcoming upgrade packages from competing teams.