Kimi Antonelli just gave George Russell a glimpse of the biggest challenge he faces next season

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It is fair to say that Kimi Antonelli has had his ups and downs in his rookie Formula 1 season in 2025, but he has proved that he can and will be a threat to George Russell.

Many believed that it was too soon for the Italian to make the jump to F1. After all, Mercedes fast-tracked him to F2 from F4 and spent just one season there in 2024 before he was called up to the pinnacle of motorsport, replacing Lewis Hamilton, no less.

The pressure was immense on Antonelli, but initially, he silenced the critics with a stunning 16th to fourth place drive on debut in Melbourne and his maiden pole for the Sprint in Miami. But during the European season, those doubts would be justified.

Between his home races at Imola and Monza, he scored points three times. While that did include his maiden podium in Canada, Antonelli lost total confidence on European soil, with mechanical issues and rookie errors hampering him.

After the end of the European season, the Italian has found his feet again, appearing more confident with the W16 after Mercedes modified the rear suspension. With points coming more regularly, he is starting to mount a challenge to more-experienced teammate Russell.

Kimi Antonelli just showed George Russell he won’t accept being number two at the Mexican Grand Prix

For the most part, Russell has had the upper hand at Mercedes in 2025, with two wins and eight podiums. Meanwhile, his teammate has struggled to string points together, with Antonelli labelling Belgium as his ‘darkest moment’ this season.

Last time out at the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 19-year-old beat Russell for the first time in 2025, finishing P6. Mercedes generally lacked pace across the weekend compared to their rivals, but team orders became a contentious issue within the team during the race.

Russell demanded Mercedes swap positions as he claimed he was quicker than Antonelli, and his tyres were hurting from the dirty air and the pressure from Oscar Piastri behind. Eventually, five laps later, they allowed the Brit through to try and attack Oliver Bearman.

When he could not find a way through and Piastri had made his way past the two Mercedes, Russell swapped back with Antonelli. In a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian earned ‘respect’ for his stance on the team orders.

However, it was also a ‘demonstration of character’ that he opted to stay ahead of Russell until team orders were deployed. It showed that Antonelli will not be content being the number two driver.

Russell could well have his work cut out against his Italian teammate in 2026. Now that he has shown he will fight the Brit, Antonelli could give him an almighty challenge next season.

READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats

Could Kimi Antonelli be the world champion with Mercedes in 2026?

Toto Wolff admits that Antonelli has had ‘enormous’ pressure in 2025 due to being Italian – the nation has not had a champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. His contract situation will not have helped matters either – there was a lengthy delay to his extension due to Mercedes’ links to Max Verstappen.

But now that Antonelli has signed a new deal with the Silver Arrows, he can look ahead to the 2026 F1 regulations. He could well be in a position to end Italy’s wait for a world champion.

Mercedes are tipped to have the fastest engine in 2026, with the team having a great track record with development during regulation changes. Damon Hill wonders if Russell or Antonelli could be champion next season, if the rumours are true.

With the latter’s latest performance in Mexico, it indicates that he will be no pushover for the former next season. Antonelli will be keen to build upon his rookie campaign and give Russell a huge challenge in 2026 as Mercedes look to return to the top.