George Russell opens up about Mercedes F1 trials: Antonelli's impressive performance
Manish
George Russell has expressed high praise for potential Mercedes 2025 teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, describing the young driver as "exceptionally fast" in Formula 1 tests. Antonelli is currently the frontrunner to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari next season. Rumors suggest that an announcement regarding Antonelli's future could be made as early as this weekend.
Antonelli's Impressive Performance
The Italian driver has been balancing his debut Formula 2 season, where he currently sits in seventh place with two wins, with an intensive testing program in older Mercedes F1 cars. One of these test outings included a session at Silverstone, where Antonelli drove alongside Russell and Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher in the team's 2022 car, the W13.
Russell, who will step aside during FP1 at Monza to allow Antonelli to make his F1 weekend debut, has no doubts about the young driver's potential in the sport. He commented, "I see him every time he's racing F2. We always keep a close eye on how he's getting on, watching all of the races. We did a test together in Silverstone a couple of months ago, so that was a great opportunity for him to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. He was exceptionally fast, so I'm sure if he were to get a drive in Formula 1, I'm sure he'd do a great job."
A Homegrown Mercedes Line-up
If Antonelli were to join Russell at Mercedes in 2025, it would create a unique situation where both drivers have come through the team's junior ranks. Russell, who has secured two race wins since joining the works Mercedes team in 2022, believes this would be a testament to the team's commitment to nurturing young talent.
"I think whoever's going to be my teammate next year, of course, we'll welcome them," Russell stated. "And excited for the challenge together. Kimi's an exceptional driver, with such an amazing track record in his junior series, always destined to be a Formula 1 driver."
The Strength of Mercedes' Junior Program
Russell drew parallels between Antonelli's journey and his own path to F1, highlighting the effectiveness of Mercedes' junior program. He reflected, "If it were to be him, I think it sort of shows the strength also of the Mercedes junior program. It reminds me a bit of my journey, starting off as a young kid, walking through the doors in Formula 3 and climbing the ladder. And it would be a great story for the team, but who knows?"
As the F1 community eagerly awaits official confirmation, the potential pairing of Russell and Antonelli at Mercedes in 2025 represents an exciting prospect for the team and fans alike. It would not only showcase the team's ability to nurture young talent but also potentially usher in a new era for the German marque in Formula 1.
