Marko and Rosberg foresee Antonelli challenging Russell’s leadership at Mercedes F1, with high stakes for the team’s future dynamics.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, expects great performances from Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes F1’s new driver. According to the Austrian, the young prodigy could pose a challenge to George Russell, who has become the team leader.
“We saw Antonelli’s talent at Monza, although I don’t understand why they put him in the car on that circuit,” said Marko. “He was very fast in his first three laps, but on the fourth, he went into the barriers. I think if he harnesses his abilities well, which he does, he can be a threat to Russell.”
Marko praised Mercedes’ gamble in signing Antonelli directly: “Antonelli is a risk, but we also took that risk with Verstappen in the past. Max was very young when he stepped into the car. But in his case, he wasn’t in a top team, so there was less pressure.”
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, shares Marko’s view on the risks Russell faces with his teammate: “George Russell is not safe at all because Toto always wants Max and will try again for 2026. ‘Giving up’ is not part of Toto’s vocabulary.”
“If Max becomes available—and I think it’s a possibility—then there will be a battle between George and Kimi next year. George should take the internal lead because Kimi is 18, completely new, and under intense pressure. The situation is not easy for George.”
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Antonelli: Rising Star or Russell’s Biggest Mercedes Threat? Antonelli: Rising Star or Russell’s Biggest Mercedes Threat?
