Mercedes technical director James Allison has categorically denied allegations that the team favors either George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 World Championship race. Speaking on the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Allison emphasized that such thinking is incompatible with Mercedes' business culture.
The controversy that flared up after Barcelona.
The controversy arose in recent weeks with a surge of online commentary. Some claimed the team favored Antonelli, while others suggested Russell. The speculation was ignited by a moment at the Barcelona GP: Russell and Antonelli lost time battling each other at crucial moments; Lewis Hamilton capitalized on this opportunity to secure the victory with his Ferrari. Details of Hamilton's Barcelona victory and a comparison with Schumacher. It had caused quite a stir at the time. Team principal Toto Wolff had previously stated that team orders would not be considered unless a rival driver posed a concrete threat in the championship race.
Allison's explanation using economic logic.
Allison also explained, from a financial standpoint, why the team couldn't afford to favor one driver. Since Mercedes, like other teams, receives its prize money based on its standings in the World Championship Producers' Cup, it's in the team's best interest for both drivers to contribute as much as possible to the points total.
“It’s in everyone’s interest for both of our drivers to succeed,” Allison said, adding: “Actually, we’re not at all concerned with which one is better than the other. We want a double podium finish in every race, regardless of the finishing order.”
According to Allison, a choice would only be considered in one scenario: “If one of the drivers is mathematically out of the championship race and the other is competing against a rival from another team, then the team has the right to have a say. But until that point, we want each of our drivers to be leading in every race.”
The manager added that when they heard the allegations of favoritism, it felt like a completely different language was being spoken: “If you were lucky enough to work within the team, you would immediately understand how alien this kind of thinking is to everyone on the team.”
Championship table
Based on the current standings, Antonelli is at the top of the championship race with a 41-point advantage over Hamilton. Russell is further down the standings. Mercedes has confirmed it will maintain a policy of equal treatment for both drivers as long as they remain in the championship race.