Kimi Antonelli 'caught by surprise' over significant Mercedes decision

Kimi Antonelli has admitted he was “caught by surprise” by Mercedes' decision to swap positions during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

On lap 41, Antonelli moved aside to allow Russell by for fourth place after the latter insisted for several laps that he was being held up by his team-mate while McLaren's Oscar Piastri closed the gap to the pair.

Russell went in the hunt of Oliver Bearman after Antonelli moved aside, but couldn't make inroads on the Haas driver.

Antonelli stated he was unaware Russell was pushing for the cars to exchange positions.

“I didn't know he was asking that on the radio,” Antonelli told media including RacingNews365.

“I just got the information from the team to make the swap into Turn 4, which kind of caught me by surprise, initially.

“I respect their decision. Obviously, we need to review, I would like to understand the reason behind the decision in order to move forward.

“But now we'll focus on to Brazil.”

Russell later handed the place back to Antonelli later in the race as the duo crossed the line in sixth and seventh.

However, Antonelli believes Mercedes could have handled the situation better as the swap came just a handful of laps before the second round of pit stops.

“I really appreciate that from the team, because at least I got the position back. We need to review,” the Italian stated.

“Obviously it's very easy to talk now, but if we had held position, we probably would have had a better chance to undercut Ollie and probably would have had a better shot to finish P4 and P5.

“But it's easy to talk now and we just need to review in order not to make the same mistake.”