Steiner hails 'rockstar' Wolff after Mercedes drivers' outstanding Canada battle

On the Red Flags podcast, Steiner said, “Toto Wolff. And you know why? Because he let them race. He didn't interfere, didn't say anything. Just let them out there.”

The Canadian GP was a tense and drama-filled weekend for Mercedes. On Saturday, Antonelli and Russell went head-to-head during the sprint race. The two teammates made contact for the first time into Turn 1, which led to the Italian cutting the corner. After the incident, he had to be calmed down by the team. He said, “That was very naughty! That should be a penalty. I was alongside the mirror!"

When Peter Bonnington tried to refocus Antonelli’s attention, the 19-year-old replied that he didn’t care. It was then that Wolff got on the radio for the first time. "Kimi, concentrate on the driving, please, not on the radio moaning."

Another moment came when Antonelli took to the radio, saying, “If we need to race like this, then good to know!" To that, Wolff publicly responded, "Kimi, now is not the time to talk about this. We talk about this internally and not on the radio, OK?"

While Russell won the sprint, it was Antonelli who took home the Canadian GP trophy and extended his championship lead to 43 points The two drivers battled for most of the race until Russell retired. Joining Antonelli on the podium were Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. After he did not finish the race, Russell said the championship lead was Antonelli’s to lose.

When asked if he believed they would continue the hard battles, Steiner said, “I'm pretty sure we see it at least until the summer break, at least until then. And then I think if they are in the position they are now, it should continue. But it's just the intensity.”

Russell won the opening race of the season at the Australian GP, but has failed to win another race. Antonelli has now made history by being the only F1 driver to win his first five races consecutively.

The Canadian GP was the last race before the new technical directive, under which engines are measured at both hot and ambient temperatures. Mercedes brought their first upgrade package to Montreal, which helped their race starts. For the first time this season, the drivers made strong starts off the line.

Next on the Formula 1 calendar is the Monaco GP, taking place from 4-7 June. Can Antonelli extend his winning streak, or is it really his to lose?