P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell continues to not know who his 2025 team-mate will be, although he views one option as a big chance for Mercedes.
George Russell believes Mercedes has a “great opportunity” in the future with teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is a top contender to replace Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli, just 17 years old, has been compared to Max Verstappen and impressed during recent tests in old Mercedes F1 cars, gaining experience with current regulations. Toto Wolff is yet to decide if Antonelli will jump from F2 to the Mercedes F1 team in 2025, with speculation linking him most to Hamilton’s seat. Hamilton himself has endorsed Antonelli as a potential successor, stating he would choose Kimi for the role if he were in charge.
Russell, contracted until 2025, could potentially partner Antonelli if promoted, and he believes Antonelli will definitely become an F1 driver in the near future. The Briton sees this as a great opportunity for Mercedes to continue building for the future. While keeping all options open, Russell is open to any new driver joining the team as his teammate and feels he already has a good partnership in place. He states, “I welcome anyone who will become my teammate,” leaving the door open for whoever will eventually join the team alongside him.
