MERC LOVE NOT WAR

Wolff sure his boys will avoid a collision course

- PHILIP DUNCAN

TOTO WOLFF is confident Mercedes will avoid a repeat of Lewis Hamilton's toxic rivalry with Nico Rosberg after Kimi Antonelli emerged as a serious threat to team-mate George Russell's world championship bid.

Teenager Antonelli's debut victory at Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix arrived a week after Russell won the season-opening round in Australia.

Russell holds a four-point advantage over Antonelli with Mercedes in ominous form.

Hamilton's relationship with Rosberg boiled over in the three years they fought for the title, leading to a fractious atmosphere within Mercedes.

However, team principal Wolff believes the dynamic between Russell, 28, and Antonelli, 19 - both of whom climbed the Mercedes junior ladder will stay harmonious.