Mercedes Team Order Secures Double Podium at Dutch GP

Mercedes secured a double podium at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23, 2026, after instructing George Russell to yield position to championship-leading teammate Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages at Zandvoort. The team order, invoked to protect both cars from the charging Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, resulted in Lando Norris taking the victory for McLaren, followed by Antonelli in second and Russell holding on to third. The pivotal moment occurred following a late-race virtual safety car period. Mercedes pitted Antonelli for fresh soft tires while Russell remained out on older hard compound rubber to defend his track position.