P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has credited his potential Mercedes 2025 team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli as having been “exceptionally fast” in the Formula 1 tests he’s conducted. Antonelli is viewed as the top candidate to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next term and reports have touted that an announcement could come this weekend. The Italian has been dovetailing his […]
Antonelli is being considered as the prime contender to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next season, with reports suggesting that an official announcement may be made this weekend. Despite his ongoing debut Formula 2 campaign, where he currently holds seventh place with two victories, Antonelli has been intensively testing old-model Mercedes F1 cars. Notably, Antonelli tested the W13 Mercedes alongside Russell and reserve driver Mick Schumacher at Silverstone for the 2022 season. Russell, who will be giving up his FP1 slot at Monza this weekend to allow Antonelli his debut, has full confidence in the young driver’s potential to thrive in Formula 1. Considering a potential promotion for Antonelli to the F1 team alongside Russell in 2025, Mercedes could proudly present a lineup featuring two drivers who have emerged from their own development program. Russell acknowledges the possibility of a new teammate next year and is looking forward to embracing the challenge together. Reflecting on the similarity of their journeys through the Mercedes junior program, Russell sees the potential addition of Antonelli as both a testament to the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and an exciting development for their collective narrative.
