George Russell issues verdict on Mercedes test where Kimi Antonelli reportedly beat him

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George Russell is set to partner Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes next season. Russell has been waiting to discover the identity of his teammate since February, when Lewis Hamilton confirmed his move to Ferrari.

For a time, it looked as if he could face the ultimate test in Formula 1. Mercedes aggressively pursued Max Verstappen, who’s won the last three world championships, amid instability at Red Bull.

However, Verstappen’s move to Mercedes fell through in the end. Helmut Marko’s prospective departure would have triggered an exit clause in the Dutchman’s contract, but he resolved his dispute with Christian Horner.

Mercedes have now accepted that Verstappen will stay for 2025, though they could revisit their dispute further down the line. For now, they have turned to their far more realistic plan-b.

Antonelli has reportedly signed his Mercedes contract, with an announcement expected soon. Next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix could present an ideal opportunity, particularly with the 17-year-old due to participate in FP1.

Russell has fared well against seven-time world champion Hamilton, beating him in the championship in their first year together in 2022. While he lost out last year and trails his compatriot by 34 points this term, he’s built an impressive 10-4 lead in qualifying.

George Russell raves about ‘exceptionally fast’ Kimi Antonelli

Appearing in the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Russell inevitably faced questions about Antonelli. He gave the youngster an enthusiastic vote of confidence ahead of the announcement.

Antonelli hasn’t been able to drive the 2024 Mercedes yet, but he has been testing the 2021 and 2022 cars. This has allowed the team to assess whether he’s ready for F1.

• READ MORE: Who is Mercedes academy driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli? Everything to know

Russell joined him on track for one of those tests at Silverstone back in May. And he was hugely impressed by what he saw from the Formula 2 driver.

“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 One car,” he said. “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.”

The vital area where Kimi Antonelli beat George Russell in Silverstone test

At 26, Russell should become the team leader at Brackley next season. That will represent a marked change in his role after partnering a driver of Hamilton’s stature, though Mercedes have always afforded them equal treatment.

Russell will expect to have Antonelli ‘for breakfast’, according to F1 expert Peter Windsor. But the events of that Silverstone test may offer a warning.

Reports claim Antonelli was quicker than Russell on high fuel and virtually matched him for qualifying pace too. Mercedes subsequently released a statement insisting that the drivers were on different programmes.

Over a full Formula 1 season, the experience of the two-time Grand Prix winner should win out. Indeed, for all his pace, David Coulthard has questioned whether Antonelli has the maturity for a frontrunning seat at this stage.