Kimmy Antonelli and George Russell are expected to be two of the most talked-about drivers in 2025, not due to a potential championship battle, but because of the uncertain pecking order at Mercedes. While Antonelli is a rookie, he’s generated considerable hype, raising questions about whether Russell should fear for his position.
Antonelli’s promotion to Mercedes has raised eyebrows, especially since he hasn’t followed the traditional path of other drivers like Russell, who spent years in a sister team and won the F2 championship before joining Mercedes. Antonelli has skipped those steps and was promoted straight into the senior seat after Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari. Team principal Toto Wolff admitted that Hamilton’s departure caught Mercedes off guard, but he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to secure a potential future champion, referring to Antonelli as someone who could rival Max Verstappen in the future.
Despite being a rookie, Antonelli’s raw speed was evident at Monza, where he showed promise, although his race ended with a crash. Mercedes, however, isn’t overly concerned with his F2 results, focusing instead on his potential and adaptability in their cars. Antonelli has already undergone extensive testing in various Mercedes cars to ensure he can adjust quickly to different setups.
Helmut Marko, a veteran figure in Formula 1, believes Antonelli could be a bigger threat to Russell than expected. He noted Antonelli’s impressive early pace at Monza, although his crash suggested the need for more experience. While Marko acknowledged the risk of an unproven rookie, he drew a parallel to Verstappen’s rapid rise at Toro Rosso, suggesting that taking risks with young talent has worked in the past.
Russell, on the other hand, is seen as one of the best qualifiers on the grid, and in a highly competitive environment, it’s expected that he will have the edge over Antonelli, especially in terms of consistency. Russell’s performance in qualifying and race finishes will likely give him an advantage in securing better positions, putting Antonelli under pressure to narrow the gap.
Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver and pundit, highlighted the high expectations placed on rookies like Antonelli, especially with the bar set by drivers like Hamilton, Russell, and Verstappen. The pressure to perform immediately will be intense, and mistakes won’t be easily forgiven. For Antonelli, being thrust into a top team like Mercedes means that he will be expected to deliver results from the outset, similar to how other rookie drivers have been held to high standards.
Mercedes is not expected to be in the title fight in 2025, as they’ve acknowledged that the current regulations don’t favor them. However, 2026 is seen as a potential turning point, with Mercedes expected to be more competitive. For both Russell and Antonelli, 2025 will be a crucial year to develop their skills and lay the groundwork for future success, particularly for Antonelli, who is seen as a long-term prospect.
Wolff has tempered expectations for Antonelli, suggesting that while he is a talented driver, it’s unrealistic to expect him to win races or be a title contender in 2025. Instead, the goal is for Antonelli to learn and grow, even if that means making mistakes along the way. Wolff emphasized that 2025 is a transitional year, with the main focus on preparing for 2026 when the new car regulations come into play.
This puts Antonelli in a difficult position: should he push the car to its limits to prove himself, or play it safe to show he’s a valuable asset for Mercedes’ long-term plans? The pressure on him is immense, as he does not want to be overshadowed by Russell, who will be aiming to maintain his position as the team’s leader.
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 World Champion, also believes that Russell’s seat could be at risk due to the hype surrounding Antonelli. He pointed out that if Max Verstappen becomes available for 2026, Mercedes might consider him, which would create a competitive environment for both Russell and Antonelli. Rosberg suggested that Russell faces significant pressure in 2025, as he will be expected to outperform Antonelli, who is much younger and less experienced.
In conclusion, while Mercedes may not be fighting for championships in 2025, the internal battle between Russell and Antonelli will be a focal point. The new pecking order at Mercedes is still to be established, and Antonelli’s rise could challenge Russell’s position. It remains to be seen whether Antonelli has the talent and composure to dethrone Russell and lead Mercedes in the future.
