Has the dynamic between F1’s early title protagonists shifted?

Kimi Antonelli and George Russell insist their relationship has not changed despite their early Formula 1 world championship battle.

Pre-season favourite Russell kicked off the campaign in perfect style by heading a Mercedes 1-2 at the Australian Grand Prix to move into an early points lead with the Silver Arrows leaving its rivals playing catch up.

But back-to-back wins for Antonelli in China and Japan saw the Italian teenager supplant Russell at the top of the drivers’ standings and move into a surprise nine-point lead heading into an unplanned five-week break.

With form and momentum unexpectedly on Antonelli’s side, has the dynamic between the Mercedes duo changed?

“I think the relationship is strong and it hasn’t changed. There’s a lot of respect between us and we’ve been working very well so far and there’s a very good dynamic in the team,” Antonelli told media including Crash.net as he quickly dismissed such suggestions.

“I feel like I can be a challenger and that’s what I’m here for: to win races and championships, that’s my goal. Of course, this year is a massive opportunity for all of us, for me and George, we have a very strong car.

“Both of us don’t want to waste this opportunity so we are going to do our best, but we’re also very aware of keeping a good dynamic in the team and that’s what we’re doing.

“Of course e have our goals to win and be the best, but at the same time, we want to help the team in the best way possible to achieve their goal, which is of course to win the constructors’ championship.

"I believe that our relationship is strong and will be strong for the rest of the year.”

Antonelli’s comments were echoed by Russell, who has been widely tipped to win his maiden world championship this season.

Asked if their relationship has changed now that the stakes are higher, the 28-year-old Briton replied: “Not at all, to be honest.

“I think we're both professional, we've still got a very good relationship and it's something we're not even talking about, to be honest. Within the team, it's not even being spoken about.

“I even remember when I was a junior driver here in 2017, 2018, when the fight was pretty strong at points with Ferrari for the team… the championship wasn't even on anyone's mind. What was on everybody's mind was performance and getting the maximum every single weekend, developing the car.

“That's my personal mentality, I can't speak for Kimi, but that's how it is for now.”