SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – November 23, 2025 – Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Head Toto Wolff and Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin reported a promising but mixed Sprint day and Qualifying session at the 2025 sao Paulo Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli securing a front-row start and George Russell facing challenges with grip.
Wolff praised Antonelli’s performance throughout the weekend, particularly given it was his first time racing at the Interlagos circuit. “That was a solid day in the office for us as a team. Kimi has performed strongly all weekend, despite this being his first time racing around here, and he maximised the result in both this morning’s sprint and this afternoon’s qualifying,” Wolff stated. Antonelli nearly claimed pole position,finishing just behind Lando Norris. “There was, just like yesterday, a chance of him taking pole potentially but P2 is a good position to be starting from tomorrow.” Wolff acknowledged Russell’s struggles with grip on the Soft compound tire, expressing hope that adjustments could improve his performance in tomorrow’s race, where he will start from P6.
Shovlin detailed the team’s strategic approach to the Sprint race, opting for the soft tyre at the start for its initial benefit, a decision aided by a subsequent red flag that allowed a switch to the Medium tyre. “Putting both cars onto the Sprint race podium was a nice achievement this morning but our focus quickly shifted to preparing for qualifying.” He confirmed Antonelli maintained consistent pace throughout qualifying,securing P2. However, Shovlin echoed Wolff’s concerns regarding Russell’s difficulties. “George struggled a bit with the Soft tyre on the other hand. We will have a look at the data overnight to understand the issue and solve the lack of comfort George has felt all weekend.”
Both team members expressed optimism for the race, citing Russell’s strong Sprint pace and Antonelli’s ability to challenge Norris at the front. Shovlin concluded, “The starting grid should make tomorrow’s race engaging. George’s good pace this morning should help him progress to the front tomorrow. Kimi showed today that he can match Lando’s (Norris) pace and fight at the front.We’re studying all strategies available to put the field under some pressure tomorrow.”
