F1 Dutch Grand Prix: Toto Wolff defends taking second from George Russell with Mercedes team orders

Toto Wolff in conversation with George Russell in the paddock — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Dutch Grand Prix

Toto Wolff defends taking second place from George Russell at F1 Dutch Grand Prix

Russell was told to let Antonelli through at Zandvoort

Graham Shaw Consultant Editor

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Monday 24 August 2026 10:57

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Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has defended the team orders given to George Russell during Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Russell was told to let team-mate Kimi Antonelli through during the closing stages of the 72-lap race and that saw the Italian claim second place behind winner Lando Norris, while Russell occupied the final spot on the podium.

While the Englishman did not sound impressed by the decision at the time, once the dust had settled he was much more understanding post-race.

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"Kimi was ahead of me anyway, so he deserved to finish ahead. And of course when you're in the race you want to fight for every single position - but with the pace with the new tyre, he would have overtaken anyway. It was the right decision."

The swap saw Antonelli extend his lead over Russell in the championship standings to 59 points, though George did pull level with Lewis Hamilton in second place after coming home in front of the seven-time world champion.

F1 RESULTS: Full times, finishing positions and penalties from Dutch Grand Prix

Wolff: 'Safest way to protect points'

More important to Wolff were the points Mercedes were able to rack up to bolster their lead in the Constructors' standings - they now head Ferrari by 87 points.

He told Sky Sports: “It might seem harsh externally, but internally we discussed this situation many times - even this morning.

“We refuse to waste time battling each other and risk having two Ferraris close behind.”

Wolff will always put the interests of the team first.

All about the team for Silver Arrows

Wolff stressed that positions in the Drivers' standings are not even a factor when Mercedes make strategy decisions. It is all about the team, and the key here was to cover off any threat from the Ferraris of Hamilton in fourth and Charles Leclerc in fifth.

“These tough decisions must be made when you’re fighting for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships,” he explained.

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F1 George Russell Kimi Antonelli Dutch Grand Prix