Wolff hints at new Mercedes strategy to help Russell catch Verstappen

The German outfit secured the Constructors' Championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, completing a remarkable title double after Kimi Antonelli claimed his maiden world championship in Mexico just one week earlier.

However, Mercedes endured a difficult afternoon at Interlagos despite securing the title, with both drivers struggling with the handling of their cars in changing conditions.

Antonelli initially looked set to fight for victory after making an excellent start and taking the lead from polesitter Lando Norris. However, the Italian spun at Turn 1 on lap 22, allowing the McLaren driver to reclaim first place.

The newly crowned world champion also complained about unusual behaviour from his Mercedes, reporting that the car was pulling more strongly to one side than the other.

Russell experienced difficulties of his own, spinning at the pit lane exit and making contact with the barrier before recovering to remain in contention for a strong points finish. With rain returning in the closing stages, Mercedes instructed Antonelli to surrender fourth place to his teammate on lap 64, allowing Russell to pursue the Red Bull drivers ahead.

The Italian complied with the instruction, with Russell eventually finishing fourth and Antonelli fifth, securing the points Mercedes needed to seal the Constructors' Championship with three races to spare.

Speaking after the race, Wolff was asked whether Mercedes could continue prioritising Russell over Antonelli during the remaining rounds, particularly with the British driver still fighting for second place in the championship.

The Austrian admitted that the team has yet to make a decision, but acknowledged that helping Russell finish as high as possible in the standings could influence its approach.

The situation is particularly interesting given that Antonelli has already secured the Drivers' Championship, meaning the Italian no longer needs to prioritise his own title ambitions.

Russell, meanwhile, faces a difficult challenge in his pursuit of the runner-up position following Verstappen's remarkable comeback at Interlagos.

The four-time world champion climbed from 21st on the grid to finish second behind Norris, collecting 18 points and strengthening his position in the championship. As a result, Verstappen now sits second in the standings with 279 points, while Russell moves up to third with 262, just one point ahead of Lewis Hamilton.