The two Mercedes drivers are separated by nine points following Antonelli’s Suzuka win, with the Italian also holding the edge thanks to his additional victory in China.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Ferrari driver said: Asked whether the two will end up at each other’s throats, the former F1 driver said: “I’m 100 per cent sure. The stakes are too high and the drivers are very closely matched, so Toto Wolff can’t step in with team orders.”
He also pointed out that Toto Wolff has already dealt with highly tense situations in the past, first during the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry and later when Lewis Hamilton went up against Max Verstappen.
“He’s already been through very tense situations, first when Lewis Hamilton was battling Nico Rosberg and then with Max Verstappen. In that case there was a big crash at Silverstone. I think the seven-time world champion, who is one of the cleanest drivers in history, was frustrated because the Dutchman was behaving like a bully.”
Photo: Race Pictures
Russell warned ‘Mr Nice Guy’ approach won’t cut it against Antonelli
David Coulthard believes that shift now demands a change in approach from the Brit, arguing the Mercedes driver can no longer afford to play the role of the “nice guy” if he wants to stay in contention.
Coulthard also pointed to behind-the-scenes footage shared by Mercedes, which offered a revealing look at Toto Wolff’s role in managing Russell – balancing support and reassurance while reinforcing his belief in the Brit during key moments.