Juan Pablo Montoya shares why George Russell has ‘more to lose’ in title fight than Kimi Antonelli

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As Kimi Antonelli looks to prove he can compete with George Russell, the British driver is put in a very difficult position.

Since Antonelli won the Chinese Grand Prix, there has been a lot of talk about the young Italian possibly challenging Russell for the drivers’ championship.

Antonelli currently sits just four points behind Russell in the drivers’ standings, as the two have allowed Mercedes to dominate the start of the season.

Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, there are those who think Russell must reassert himself over Antonelli within the Mercedes pecking order.

And while Antonelli isn’t looking for a conflict with Russell this season, Juan Pablo Montoya believes the more experienced driver has a lot more at stake in a possible title fight.

READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli wanting to replicate Max Verstappen’s Nurburgring stint should scare F1 teams

Juan Pablo Montoya says George Russell must ‘destroy’ Kimi Antonelli to re-establish himself as Mercedes’ lead driver

Speaking in an interview with Racing News 365, Juan Pablo Montoya explained why George Russell needs to usurp Kimi Antonelli soon.

As the veteran driver, Russell has more to lose, and Montoya believes Russell must dominate Antonelli at the Japanese Grand Prix to establish the pecking order within the team.

“I would say it is that George has more to lose than it being Kimi’s to win.

“I think everything lined up for Kimi to get the win between the safety car and George’s problems in qualifying, but he executed, and he did what we needed to do, and that will give him some confidence.

“I think it is important for George to make sure he goes to the next race and destroys Kimi, because when you are in F1, it is about managing the situation with your team-mate and about controlling what is going on in your team-mate’s head.

“Managing that, and managing that well, can make a big difference.”

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher thinks George Russell is now reliving his biggest issue from his time at Williams

What’s your podium prediction for the Japanese Grand Prix?

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Toto Wolff warns Mercedes against getting complacent after strong start

When speaking with Mercedes’ digital team, Toto Wolff noted how important it is that both Antonelli and Russell stay focused on what is ahead and not get swept up in their initial success.

“The grid is also learning so much every time we take to the track. Each weekend brings a new set of challenges, and we are focused on completing our work and looking to improve.

“We know that the moment you think you’ve got this sport figured out, you are usually proven wrong. That is as true for Kimi as it is for the team. His win in China was a great achievement and a moment to be proud of.

“However, his focus and ours are on what is ahead. His first victory is a first step, and all that matters is how he builds on it. We will support him to navigate the expectations that come with performing at the front more consistently.”

Should a potential title fight between the two Mercedes drivers emerge, Wolff is likely to back Russell over Antonelli.

It will be interesting to see how both drivers perform this weekend, as it could have massive implications not just for Mercedes but for the title picture this season.