Russell adopts Antonelli stance as Mercedes F1 drive looms

George Russell thinks Andrea Kimi Antonelli must forge his “own path” when it comes to whether he would mentor his possible 2025 Mercedes Formula 1 team-mate.

Mercedes is discussing the options to partner Russell at the squad next season amid the revelation earlier this term that Lewis Hamilton will leave to move to Ferrari.

The marque’s boss, Toto Wolff, has gone public that his ultimate desire is to acquire Max Verstappen, but the Dutchman has insisted he intends to remain at Red Bull.

Therefore, Antonelli has been touted as the probable candidate to get the gig, with the Italian dovetailing his maiden Formula 2 season with a rigorous F1 testing rota.

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Antonelli’s promotion would elevate Russell, who is now competing in his sixth campaign in the sport, into a newfound role as the established driver within Mercedes.

But while Russell would be prepared to help Antonelli, 18, acclimatise, the Briton has drawn on his experiences to suggest the protege must have some independence.

“I don’t necessarily think an extremely talented driver would need mentoring by another driver,” Russell said.

“You’ve all got to find your own path, you’ve got to make your own mistakes.

“I’d be more than happy to give advice and help along the way because I back myself, I feel confident, and I want the best for the team.

“History has proven, if you want to fight for a championship, you need to have a team-mate alongside you who’s pushing you along the way to get more out of yourself, to also help when you’re battling at the front.

“I think you’ve seen it’s difficult in the past when there has been sort of a lone ranger up front, battling against two cars who’ve got the upper hand strategically.

“Whoever is going to end up alongside me next year is going to keep me on my toes. I’m excited at that change.

“I’ve been kept on my toes for the last three years with Lewis as my team-mate, but I think change is exciting.”

Antonelli looks destined to be announced as a works Mercedes driver at some stage as Wolff has ruled out Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz from being an option for the squad.

“We’ve embarked on a route now saying that we want to reinvent ourselves a little bit going forward, and Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that,” Wolff asserted.

“We haven’t taken a decision yet for next year but we didn’t want to have Carlos wait as well because he needs to take decisions for himself, and that’s fair.”