Dutch GP 2026: Reported Mercedes orders explained

Reports from Zandvoort say Mercedes used late team orders involving George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with the call drawing mixed reaction.

Reports from Zandvoort say Mercedes used late team orders during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. Motorsport.com reported the call came after the VSC on lap 55 of 72, with George Russell asked to let Andrea Kimi Antonelli through as Mercedes managed the closing stages of the race.

The move mattered in the drivers' championship context. Russell, a seven-time grand prix winner, was second in the standings on 183 points, while Antonelli led on 242 after 33 Formula 1 entries. Motorsport.com also reported that Russell called the swap the right decision, while RaceFans reported he described it as fair.

RaceFans further reported that Antonelli questioned the wider strategy, saying he was not convinced an extra pit stop had been the right call for either Mercedes driver. The episode has added to the post-race scrutiny around Mercedes, the constructor now in its 19th Formula 1 season with 138 wins and eight titles.