Former Formula 1 driver Robert Lammers has criticised George Russell’s radio communication during the recent Dutch Grand Prix. Lammers stated that Russell’s comments regarding a team order to allow teammate Kimi Antonelli to pass constituted a strategic misstep.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the race at Circuit Zandvoort. Mercedes instructed Russell to yield position to Antonelli, who was rapidly closing on fresher tyres.
Russell initially questioned the directive over the team radio. He suggested that the team should ‘think about working as a team’ to secure a double podium finish.
Mercedes ultimately proceeded with the team order. Russell subsequently allowed Antonelli through, a decision he later publicly accepted as correct.
Lammers, speaking on a Dutch sports programme, remarked that Russell ‘shot himself in the foot with that statement’. He emphasised that such comments should not be made publicly.
Antonelli, who celebrated his twentieth birthday on the day of the Dutch Grand Prix, currently holds a significant lead in the championship standings. He is 59 points ahead of Russell.
The Italian driver also maintains a 53-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton in the championship battle.
Russell later explained his compliance with the team order. He stated that Antonelli was already ahead on pace with new tyres and would have overtaken him regardless.
Mercedes has experienced a challenging period in the current 2026 season. While the team secured six consecutive victories at the start of the year, their advantage has diminished.
Ferrari and McLaren have both introduced significant upgrade packages. These developments have allowed them to close the performance gap to Mercedes.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently commented on the financial constraints imposed by the cost cap. Wolff indicated that the team faces limitations in matching rivals’ upgrade pace.
The team’s technical director, James Allison, noted that Mercedes is finding approximately half a second of aerodynamic improvement every two months in the wind tunnel.
Despite the team order, Russell secured a third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. He successfully defended his position from Lewis Hamilton in the final laps.
Lando Norris of McLaren ultimately won the Dutch Grand Prix. Russell had previously won the Sprint race earlier in the weekend.
