RUSSELL EXPLAINS MERCEDES' MONZA STRATEGY SPLIT.
George Russell expected both Mercedes cars to stay out during the Virtual Safety Car, but the decision to stop Antonelli helped decide the victory.
Image: Formula 1RUSSELL BUILDS AN EARLY LEAD
Russell moved ahead of polesitter Pierre Gasly during the opening phase and appeared to have control of the race. Antonelli's rapid progress from nineteenth soon created an unexpected contest between the two Mercedes drivers.
ONE CALL CREATES TWO RACES
When Lance Stroll stopped and triggered the Virtual Safety Car, Mercedes brought Antonelli in for fresh tyres but left Russell on his existing hard tyres. Russell later said he had expected both cars to remain on track, although he understood the value of splitting the strategies.
SECOND PLACE STILL ADDS VALUE
Russell's tyres faded as Antonelli closed in and passed him near the finish. Although disappointed to lose the win, Russell praised his team mate and welcomed a strong result after a difficult period before the summer break.
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Read Russell's official Formula 1 reaction