Baku:Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team principal Toto Wolff has emphasized that team drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue to receive equal opportunities in their championship pursuit, even as the points gap between them narrows. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wolff highlighted that Russell's recent accumulation of significant points has brought him closer to Antonelli, leading the team to focus more on managing both cars, particularly regarding strategic decisions during races. Wolff reiterated that Mercedes' longstanding philosophy prioritizes the team's interests while ensuring that both drivers have a fair chance at the championship. He stated, "From the overarching philosophical standpoint, no, because we want to give both drivers equal opportunities to go for a championship. But the team comes first. That has always been the Mercedes philosophy, and both of the drivers have always been superb team players." As the season nears its crucial stages, Wolff acknowledged that Russ ell's progress in reducing the gap to Antonelli necessitates careful consideration in Mercedes' decision-making processes. "With George (Russell) scoring big points, obviously he's narrowed down the gap to Kimi, and that means we have to properly evaluate the calls that we make on track, of how we manage the cars," he said. Russell enters this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix following a victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, which further diminished Antonelli's championship lead. Russell currently has 236 points, trailing championship leader Antonelli, who holds 306 points.