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George Russell has responded to Mercedes' competitors after doubts were cast over video footage seemingly showing Kimi Antonelli's front wing not fully closing during braking. Both Mercedes drivers have each claimed one victory this season, leading many to predict that the Silver Arrows will dominate 2026.

Russell secured a win in the inaugural race of the year in Australia, with Antonelli finishing a full 15 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The positions were then reversed in China, with Antonelli achieving his first Formula One success after becoming the youngest driver to secure a Grand Prix pole position the previous day.

However, video footage of Antonelli's front wing from the last race in Shanghai has drawn the attention of teams. The moving images revealed that the wing was completely flat on the straights and, as it switched to corner mode, initially ran in a halfway state under braking.

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F1's new rules in 2026 stipulate that the front and rear wings open on designated straights, formerly known as Straight Line Mode, before closing when the driver applies the brakes.

The sport's technical regulations dictate that the transition time between both the front and rear wings opening and closing must not exceed 0.4 seconds.

Video footage seemed to reveal that Antonelli's front wing in China did not fully close immediately during the braking phase, exceeding the 0.4 seconds limit. The FIA have engaged in talks with Mercedes, who argue that it was not intentional and may have been due to external forces.

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Russell has come to his team's defence while speaking to Sky Sports. He stated: "It wasn't intentional, and I don't think it's not an advantage, for sure. It's actually a problem, so something we're trying to solve.

"It isn't a straightforward solution, but there is definitely no advantage to that because when we brake, the front wing is still open.

"Kimi had the lock up [towards the end of the race]. I think this was a contribution to the front wing, so it's definitely not intentional."

The season resumes this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix. Drivers will then enjoy a substantial break before the next race in Miami on May 3, following the cancellation of Grand Prixs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the conflict in the Middle East.