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After Kimi Antonelli’s stellar performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, there could be a rift between him and George Russell brewing.
Antonelli managed to win his first Grand Prix in Shanghai with a brilliant drive. George Russell was right behind him to secure Mercedes’ second one-two of the season, third counting the Sprint the day before.
Despite a late error from Antonelli that annoyed Toto Wolff, the young Italian had an almost faultless race, one that showed the true potential he has as a future superstar in Formula 1.
Kimi Antonelli’s win in Shanghai makes him the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history. Will Max Verstappen’s record ever be broken?!
Let us know in the comments below!
Antonelli was named Driver of the Day by F1Oversteer readers, and it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve that title.
However, the title on Kimi Antonelli’s mind will be the drivers’ championship, and this could cause a change in his relationship with George Russell.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton echoes Max Verstappen’s prediction for Kimi Antonelli after Chinese GP victory
David Coulthard claims George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s friendship is ‘done’ as title rivalry looms
David Coulthard spoke on the Up To Speed podcast about Kimi Antonelli’s win at the Chinese Grand Prix and what implications it could have for Mercedes.
Coulthard believes George Russell will now see Antonelli as a threat to his title hopes, and whatever friendship they had will go right out the window as they both battle for the drivers’ championship.
“(The friendship) is done. George knows he has a real threat for this championship. This might be, as we’ve seen with Lando last year and Oscar, McLaren reached a point where they delivered them a car and they fought for the world championship…”
“But this could be the only time in this new era of Formula 1 that Mercedes gives them the sort of advantage they’ve got.”
“So, make no bones about it. George, behind the facade of, ‘Well done, Kimi,’ is trying to get every advantage over him for Suzuka and going forward. And Kimi’s team should be doing the same.”
“The name ‘teammates’ is a misnomer. He’s not your mate. If you get along with him away from the track, that’s great. But his success is your failure, and vice versa.”
READ MORE: Toto Wolff admits Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes drivers sharing China podium is a career highlight
The plaudits go to Kimi Antonelli, but who else in the top 10 impressed you at the Chinese Grand Prix?
Let us know in the comments below!
David Coulthard hints George Russell has ‘experience’ edge over Kimi Antonelli in title fight
David Coulthard spoke further about Kimi Antonelli’s title chances, comparing his situation with that of Oscar Piastri with McLaren last year.
He believes that George Russell, much like Lando Norris, will benefit from the experience factor in a potential title fight between the two teammates.
“What’s going to be really interesting is how he paces himself during the course of the year. That’s where I think Lando had the advantage over Oscar last year, having more experience of life, having more experience of Grand Prix racing. He didn’t have a drop off in performance.”
“And this is a long year, even if we do miss those two Grands Prix, and George’s experience might be the thing that keeps him more level if you like for the entire year.”
“If George wins another Grand Prix, he’s going to be happy, but he’s not going through this emotional rollercoaster we’ve just seen that Kimi has gone through.”
“That all takes time and energy. I love to be on the extremes of emotions, but it takes something out of you. So he’s got to now get back on track and go build on that in Suzuka.”
With Antonelli now just four points behind Russell in the standings, there is a real chance Mercedes could have an intra-team title fight on their hands come December.
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