Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that talks have been held with Mercedes ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix regarding him supporting George Russell.
The championship leader faces the task of starting his home race from the back of the grid, with the Silver Arrows choosing to fit Antonelli's car with an entirely new power unit.
Antonelli was already on the cusp of a grid drop due to having almost used every engine component within his pool, something he has now exceeded.
Monza was chosen as the best place to take a heavy grid penalty by the Brackley-based operation, due to the expectation that overtaking will be very possible.
It makes qualifying effectively meaningless for Antonelli, with his title rivals having a great chance to reduce the 20-year-old's title advantage.
One of those drivers is Russell, who Antonelli has confirmed he will support in qualifying by offering a tow should the instruction come from Mercedes.
Asked if helping Russell has been discussed with the team, Antonelli told select media, including RacingNews365: "Yeah, it is.
"It has been discussed with the team, and yes, we have agreed on a few things, so let's see how the session develops. But if the team asks me to do so, I will do it.
"I will do it because, yeah, obviously, I will still be happy to get pole, but of course, I'm starting at the back.
"So, if I could do anything to help the team, I will. I will do it."
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