Kimi Antonelli offers George Russell praise over late Mercedes team order

Kimi Antonelli has labelled team-mate George Russell as a "great team player" following the imposition of team orders in the Dutch Grand Prix.

In the closing stages, Russell was asked to let Antonelli through into second place with Lewis Hamilton fast closing in to launch an attack to steal a podium finish. 

Russell ultimately agreed, and in doing so a six-point swing between the two Mercedes' drivers occurred, with Antonelli now holding a 59-point lead over Russell and Hamilton, who are tied in 183 points.

In effect, the move wiped out the three points Russell clawed back in the Sprint, meaning the difference between the two is the same as it was prior to the weekend, with Antonelli pulling nine points ahead of Hamilton. 

Reflecting on a tough race, the Italian described how Russell was a "great team player." 

"It was a very intense race, I managed to get the lead, and in stint one I felt actually ok but from stint two onwards, I just didn't have the feeling with the car," Antonelli explained.

"I was sliding a lot with the car, and at the end Lando passed me, and I knew I had no chance after that. 

"But then, of course, George was a great team player and really happy for him to hold on to P3 as well.

"Of course, now as a team we need to find a little bit of time because McLaren have taken a huge step, so we've got to keep pushing."