AUGUST 26, 2026

Mercedes investigates Antonelli's fading Dutch GP balance

Mercedes has begun a detailed investigation after Kimi Antonelli's W17 became progressively more difficult to drive during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Mercedes has begun examining Kimi Antonelli's W17 after the championship leader's handling deteriorated without an obvious explanation during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Antonelli led through the opening phase at Zandvoort, but the balance became increasingly troublesome as the race progressed. His difficulties were most apparent on the hard tyre, when Lando Norris caught and passed him before going on to win.

Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said Antonelli reported progressively greater oversteer with each successive set of tyres.

The usual explanations do not appear to fit. Mercedes did not change the car or introduce an aerodynamic-balance adjustment that would account for such a marked shift in behaviour.

We're having a real deep dive into the data, Shovlin said, adding that the team needs to understand the problem before the next race.

Antonelli was unable to challenge Norris even after Mercedes gave him fresher tyres during a late Virtual Safety Car period. Norris eventually won by 11.5 seconds, although Antonelli and George Russell still completed a double podium for Mercedes after Russell had won the Sprint.

The investigation comes at an awkward moment. Mercedes is waiting for its next major development package, while Ferrari and McLaren have reduced the advantage it enjoyed earlier in the season.

Antonelli is also expected to start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid following an engine change. Any unresolved handling question would make an already complicated home race more difficult.

Mercedes continues to lead both championships, but Zandvoort provided another indication that the margins are shrinking. Establishing whether Antonelli's problem belonged to one set of circumstances or reflects something deeper in the W17 has therefore become rather more than routine post-race housekeeping.