George Russell: ‘Super Fast’ Kimi Antonelli Has Been ‘Thrown In At The Deep End’ With Mercedes
March 8, 2025
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George Russell has a new teammate for the new Formula 1 season, and he’s excited for what the next few seasons could hold as the new-look, younger Mercedes driver lineup looks to make an impact in 2025 and beyond.
Since the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, Russell has stepped up to the senior role in the Mercedes team, as he takes on the number-one driver spot for the eight-time F1 Constructors’ Champions.
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George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team walk in the Pitlane during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain… George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team walk in the Pitlane during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 26, 2025 in Bahrain.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
His new teammate, teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli, has arrived in the team with great expectations already placed on his shoulders. But, after working with him during the off-season and through testing in Bahrain, Russell said that he already knows that pace won’t be an issue for the 18-year-old.
“He’s a great kid,” Russell told BBC Sport.
“He’s very young, but he’s a really nice guy. Super-fast, of course.
“(He’s) Being thrown in at the deep end, which is going to be a big challenge. But in terms of raw speed, I don’t think you can question it. And there’s going to be an interesting new dynamic.”
That new dynamic will be markedly different to the one Russell has been a part of in recent seasons. Mercedes’ longtime driver Hamilton, was the clear number-one in the team, with Russell forced to play a supporting role for long spells during their time as teammates.
But with Hamilton switching the silver and black of Mercedes for Ferrari red, Russell has the chance to step up and lead the team.
It’s an opportunity that he said he’s ready for, and his move into the number-one driver role has been a smooth, natural one that hasn’t caused any undue stress.
“This is turning a page,” Russell suggested.
“It’s a new chapter. And I don’t suddenly feel any additional responsibility.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will see him partner up with Charles Leclerc, who is getting ready for his seventh season with the Maranello outfit.
Russell has been racing Leclerc since their karting days as youngsters, and said that he’s looking forward to seeing how the team dynamic will play out as the seven-time world champion joins the team to partner an established, beloved existing driver.
“Charles is a fantastic driver, no doubt about that,” he said.
“So I’m going to be really intrigued to see how that pans out because they’re two amazing drivers.
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“He’s obviously entering an Italian team where Charles has been very much the number one for the past six years.
“It’s quite an interesting dynamic, but I think it’ll be close between the two of them.”
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