George Russell is set to share the track with Andrea Kimi Antonelli next year, as the 18-year-old driver steps into Lewis Hamilton’s shoes. Despite Antonelli’s rapid rise through the racing ranks, he lacks significant experience. However, Russell remains wary of Antonelli’s ‘exceptional’ talent.
“I’ve always believed that experience plays a huge role, especially when it comes to approaching a race weekend,” George Russell stated ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It became painfully clear two weeks ago that his future teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, still needs to gain some experience. His first free practice ended in disappointment when he crashed his Mercedes into the wall.
‘Kimi has the speed’
Despite this, Russell remains cautious about what Antonelli brings to the table. The 26-year-old Englishman knows that Toto Wolff didn’t accelerate his move to Formula 1 for no reason. “You either have the speed, or you don’t, and Kimi (Antonelli) definitely has the speed,” Russell continued. “He has already proven this in all other racing classes.”
“Mistakes will be made along the way, just like we all have made them,” he went on. “I think every driver makes a number of blunders in the beginning, and that is of course magnified when you have to drive at the front. But Kimi is exceptionally fast and I have no doubt that he will keep me sharp next year. I am really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
According to experts, George Russell will have to prove himself next to Antonelli regardless. Toto Wolff may claim that he has confidence in this line-up, but it is a public secret that he still wants to offer Max Verstappen a seat. Should the Dutchman ever come on the market, one of the Mercedes drivers will undoubtedly be sacrificed.
