Montoya: Mercedes should have double-stacked Russell and Antonelli at Monza

Juan Pablo Montoya has pointed to a strategic decision that he believes ruined George Russell's Italian Grand Prix. The former Formula 1 driver insists Mercedes should have prioritized Russell over Kimi Antonelli when the virtual safety car appeared. According to Montoya, Russell was leading the race and should have been given the first pitstop. Instead, Mercedes let Russell stay out while Antonelli pitted. Antonelli, who started 19th, eventually caught and overtook Russell to become the first Italian winner at Monza since 2026. Montoya, speaking on F1 TV's post-race show, said that Mercedes should have double-stacked both drivers. He argued that under the virtual safety car it is faster to pit than to stay out. Russell could have pitted ahead of Antonelli, which would have created a much closer fight at the end. Montoya also admitted that Antonelli might still have caught Russell and won, but the race would have been far more exciting. Toto Wolff defended Mercedes' decision, saying the two-stop was the best strategy but the team did not think it was possible at that moment. He also said George Russell was on the hard tyres and had to follow a one-stop strategy. Wolff insisted nothing could have stopped Antonelli, adding that Russell fought with worn-out tyres at the end. The debate highlights the importance of pit priority under the virtual safety car. Mercedes may have scored a 1-2 finish, but the question remains whether they made the right call for Russell. Montoya believes the team should have protected its race-leading driver, and that decision could have changed the outcome of the Italian Grand Prix.