Jolyon Palmer warns that Kimi Antonelli ‘bloopers’ could hand George Russell the world championship

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Despite Kimi Antonelli taking a major lead in the world championship race, Jolyon Palmer believes George Russell is still in the running.

Even Mercedes are wary of the hype around Antonelli, believing that everyone outside of the team is getting carried away about the possibility of him winning the world championship.

Amid concerns that Mercedes are feeling sorry for Russell in the wake of Antonelli’s success this season, talk of the Mercedes team battle have intensified.

If Kimi Antonelli wins the title, how much would it damage George Russell’s reputation?

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There are many within Mercedes who believe that talk of Kimi Antonelli surpassing George Russell this season is premature.

And it appears Jolyon Palmer is of the same belief, as he expects Russell’s experience to overcome Antonelli’s youthful exuberance.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton would ‘never’ have allowed what just happened to George Russell at Mercedes

Jolyon Palmer believes George Russell still has the ‘upper hand’ over Kimi Antonelli in Mercedes battle

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Jolyon Palmer explained why he still backs George Russell to best Kimi Antonelli in their championship battle.

Ultimately, it comes down to Russell’s track record, and him having shown the consistency that is needed to win a championship. Meanwhile, Antonelli hasn’t been tested and could make a blunder when things get really difficult.

“I would go with George, because I just think history has shown us that he is able to be consistent over the year. I think he’s got a little bit more maturity on his side.

“I still feel like he’s got the upper hand overall. And I think Kimi has shown bursts of pace that have been really impressive. He had some great races last year. Hinch already mentioned that Miami and Japan were strong. Also, you look at Brazil and various other drives, very good.

“But in terms of actually doing it over a season, and not having a blooper race, not having an Oscar Baku race where just had a terrible half lap, and the whole thing was blown, that’s where I think the mindset of George is a bit more tested at this stage.

READ MORE: Mercedes see ‘important’ reasons why George Russell is losing to Kimi Antonelli in F1 title fight

Do you think Kimi Antonelli will become Mercedes’ No. 1 driver?

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Jolyon Palmer warns Toto Wolff over backing one driver just four races into the season

Palmer added that Russell has the experience to see out the season, but admitted that with it being so early in the season, Toto Wolff should avoid picking one driver over the other.

“It’s not to say he’ll do it, but that would be my logic in thinking. If I had to back everything on one, I think I would have to go with George at the moment. Which is why I don’t think Toto should pump everything behind one, even if Kimi beats George, I think.”

Many expect Russell to bounce back at the Canadian Grand Prix, given both his history at the track and his recent slump in form serving as motivation to get a big win.

Wolff has warned Russell and Antonelli that they must be aggressive in the title fight, while not working towards the detriment of the team.

The Canadian Grand Prix this weekend could prove to be a big turning point for Russell in the title race, as he could close the gap between himself and Antonelli with a major win.