George Russell has praised Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a prospective Mercedes 2025 teammate, for being “exceptionally fast” in the Formula 1 testing he has participated in.
Lewis Hamilton is expected to join Ferrari next season, and rumors have indicated that Antonelli will be the front-runner for the position. An announcement may be made this weekend.
The Italian has been dovetailing his maiden Formula 2 season – where he sits seventh with two wins – with a relentless testing program in old-spec Mercedes F1 cars.
Antonelli’s test outings included a run-out at Silverstone alongside Russell and Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher in the German marque’s 2022 car, the W13.
Russell, who will miss FP1 this weekend at Monza to allow Antonelli to make his F1 weekend bow, harbours no doubts the Mercedes protege would excel in the sport.
“I see him every time he’s racing F2. We always keep a close eye on how he’s getting on, watching all of the races,” Russell said.
“We did a test together in Silverstone a couple of months ago, so that was a great opportunity for him to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
“He was exceptionally fast, so I’m sure if he were to get a drive in Formula 1, I’m sure he’d do a great job.”
Russell completed a test with Antonelli at Silverstone.
Antonelli receiving a promotion to an F1 drive next to Russell in 2025 would witness Mercedes boast a line-up which includes two drivers who came through its ranks.
Russell, who has won two races since ascending to the works Mercedes team in 2022, thinks that would be a credit to how it provides chances to the next generation.
“I think whoever’s going to be my team-mate next year, of course, we’ll welcome them,” Russell added. “And excited for the challenge together.
“Kimi’s an exceptional driver, such an amazing track record. in his junior series, always destined to be a Formula 1 driver.
“And if it were to be him, I think it sort of shows the strength also of the Mercedes junior program.
“Reminds me a bit of my journey, starting off as a young kid, walking through the doors in Formula 3 and climbing the ladder. And it would be a great story for the team, but who knows?”
