2025 presents a pivotal challenge for George Russell as he faces a formidable rival in Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes F1 has selected Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025, while Toto Wolff had hoped to draw Max Verstappen to his team.
At Monza, he stated he was halting discussions with the Dutchman now that his driver lineup for next year is set.
“They have been part of the junior program since they were very young, and it is clear that you always choose the best,” he said, however admitting that Russell faces more career risks against Antonelli than against Hamilton.
“As it stands, they will be on the team. There’s always pressure, and for George, if you win against the great champion Lewis Hamilton, people wonder if the great champion is still the great champion.”
“If you compete against the kid, it’s the opposite, so it’s normal and you have to deal with it. I am not flirting on the side while we are putting in all this effort, and that’s why, for now, it’s a pause.”
Russell “can only lose” next year
Nico Rosberg is convinced that Wolff is keeping the door open for Verstappen in 2026, putting pressure on George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose contract does not extend beyond the end of 2025.
“Toto said it was on pause, interesting! Verstappen is the top priority, which is understandable as he is one of the top five drivers of all time. So that’s something they are looking to do for 2026,” the German pointed out.
“Then, it really becomes a direct battle between Antonelli and George. It won’t be a comfortable position for George. Indeed, he is up against a young superstar of 18 years old. George is expected to beat Antonelli, so he can practically only lose next year.”
“It’s uncomfortable, he needs to beat Antonelli to stay alongside Verstappen. George is perhaps in the top two best qualifiers at the moment, he beats Lewis in almost all the qualifiers. So it won’t be easy for Kimi to beat George.”
A “very brave” decision by Wolff
The 2016 world champion is convinced that Antonelli is a champion in the making: “Yes, it’s the right decision, but it’s also very, very brave. Kimi was on my karting team [Rosberg Racing Academy] a few years ago. I know him very well.”
“And he certainly has the talent to become the best of the next generation. But of course, his preparation is far from ideal. In Formula 2, I don’t think he had a good car this year and he couldn’t show what he was capable of.”
“However, he did beat his teammate Oliver Bearman, who is also heading to Formula 1. But it’s tough—and then, of course, there was the accident on Friday. So the preparation hasn’t been optimal. But I think Toto Wolff made the right decision.”
Rosberg also had sympathy for Antonelli and his accident: “Mentally, it’s very tough. Just on Friday, his first official Formula 1 laps at 18, in Italy, as an Italian. The whole world is watching.”
“And then, he ends up in the wall, just like that. Until then, he was fast. Lewis Hamilton was on the track at the same time, which was good. But obviously, it’s very unfavorable. He’s full throttle, totally overmotivated and it’s just because he’s 18 and just starting out.”
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Facing Antonelli Poses Greater Risks for the Briton ! Facing Antonelli Poses Greater Risks for the Briton !
