P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Jacques Villeneuve believes it would be a mistake for Mercedes to pair Kimi Antonelli with Max Verstappen
Jacques Villeneuve has warned Mercedes that Kimi Antonelli could be ‘eaten alive’ if he was paired alongside Max Verstappen. Speculation has intensified regarding Verstappen’s potential switch to Mercedes following talks between both parties. Villeneuve believes 18-year-old Antonelli might struggle to cope alongside Verstappen due to the Dutch driver’s competitive nature. Meanwhile, George Russell’s contract status is uncertain, with no extension offered yet, fueling speculation about Verstappen’s possible arrival. Villeneuve also hinted that Russell might be seeking better terms from Mercedes, as negotiations involve give and take from both sides. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has emphasized that retaining Russell and Antonelli for 2026 remains the team’s top priority, despite the Verstappen rumors.
