Mercedes #1 Russell expects Antonelli to be up to speed quickly
F1 NewsMonday, 03 February 2025 at 08:30
George Russell is preparing for his fourth season with Mercedes and seventh in Formula 1, marking a new phase in his career by assuming the number one role driver within the team while welcoming highly hyped rookie teenager Kimi Antonelli to fill the massive shoes of Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
With 128 Grand Prix starts, three race wins, and a growing leadership role at Mercedes, 27-year-old Russell acknowledged in an interview published on his team's website: “I recognise my role as the more experienced driver. There are a lot of great young drivers coming onto the grid, and it makes you realise you are no longer the youngster.”
Russell believes his career is now moving into its next phase, he added: “I am entering a new chapter in my career. I am ending my beginning and entering the mid-stage.”
He sees parallels with past champions who found their prime in their late twenties and early thirties; he noted: “Lewis was 29 when he joined Mercedes and started winning all those championships, and Michael [Schumacher] was early 30s at Ferrari. Nowadays everyone starts younger and younger – my debut came at 20.
"But I feel ready now to fulfil roles at the team, but the most important part of that is driving as quickly as possible, and I feel in a good place to do that.
"I’ll continue to want to learn and be open and take nothing for granted. You either have the speed or you don’t, but there is no doubt these guys coming in are going to be competitive," he maintained.
Antonelli is a gamble but Mercedes have massive confidence in the teenager
One of those young drivers entering the sport is Russell’s new teammate, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli. The Italian will be making his full F1 debut in Melbourne as one of six drivers starting their first full season in 2025.
Despite his age, Russell is confident Antonelli will adjust quickly to the demands of F1; he said: “He is such a fantastic driver.
"He does not have the experience yet, but I am sure he will be up to speed very quickly. He has already integrated so well. We have both been racing from a young age, and we know what needs to be fed back to the team. He is young, but his opinion will be just as valid," the Briton explained.
While Mercedes welcomes Antonelli to the grid, the team is also bringing back a familiar face, with Valtteri Bottas rejoining as third driver. After three seasons away, the Finn returns with 246 race starts, 10 wins, 67 podiums, and five constructors’ titles with the Silver Arrows.
Russell believes Bottas’ experience will be a key asset for Mercedes in 2025; he commented: “His experience is going to be massive.
"Having someone with so much simulator and racing knowledge, and who fully knows the team is going to be great. Hearing about his last few years at Sauber, with the Ferrari engine, could be key too.
"You always have to keep an open mind as to what others are doing, and he has all of that under his belt," he said of the Finn.
Reunited Russell and Bottas have 'history'
Russell also addressed past perceptions of tension between the two when they were rivals; he recalled: “Obviously years ago we were perceived to not have a strong relationship, but we are both professionals, and our relationship has grown. We often travel together and see each other at hotels or in the gym.”
And when asked whether they might exchange hairstyle tips in 2025, Russell laughed, saying: “Maybe he could give me some of his at the back, and I can give him some of my hair from the side – I think we would be able to make something pretty extraordinary from the two!”
As Russell enters what he considers the "mid-stage" of his career, he has the backing of a promising young team-mate and an experienced former race winner—both of whom could play an integral role in shaping Mercedes' fortunes this season.
Russell will line up for his seventh season when the 2025 F1 World Championship kicks off on 16 March with the Australian Grand Prix. It will be his 129th GP start, and he will be looking to add to his three victories in the top flight thus far.
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