Antonelli says he behaved like a good teammate in Monza qualifying

Kimi Antonelli said he acted as a good teammate at Monza after helping Mercedes team-mate George Russell secure a front-row place for the Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli qualified seventh, but engine penalties mean he is set to start from the back at his home race.

At Formula One’s fastest circuit, giving a team-mate an aerodynamic tow can provide a significant advantage. Mercedes asked Antonelli to help Russell, and the championship leader followed the instruction.

“It’s what I had to do. The team asked me and of course I did what I had to do and I tried to help as much as possible,” Antonelli told Sky Sports. “Overall, with the penalty today I had to be a good teammate and help as much as I could. I think I did a good job on that and happy that it worked out at the end.”

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It’s what I had to do. The team asked me and of course I did what I had to do and I tried to help as much as possible.

Russell qualified second after Alpine’s Pierre Gasly took pole position. Antonelli said he planned to avoid trouble through the first two chicanes, clear traffic quickly and then chase the leaders.

The 20-year-old has won six races this season and leads Russell by 59 points. He is also the first Italian to lead the championship at Monza in 73 years.

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Overall, with the penalty today I had to be a good teammate and help as much as I could. I think I did a good job on that and happy that it worked out at the end.