Ralf Schumacher fears George Russell will receive ‘bitter’ news when he returns to F1 paddock

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George Russell struggling to win yet another race this weekend may have cemented his role within Mercedes is bound to change.

Mercedes may have cost Russell crucial lap time with the way they handled his tyre strategy and pit timings during the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

And it appears Mercedes are ready to take some action to prevent a result like yesterday, with Toto Wolff suggesting Mercedes would implement team orders going forward.

If you were George Russell, which driver would you have recommended as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement?

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But the result could have dire consequences for George Russell, who came perilously close to losing to Kimi Antonelli prior to the young Italian’s engine failure.

And Ralf Schumacher believes the Briton will have to accept a harsh reality going forward, as Mercedes amend their strategy.

READ MORE: George Russell sends instant message to ‘insane’ Lewis Hamilton after first Ferrari win at Barcelona GP

Ralf Schumacher claims Kimi Antonelli showed why George Russell must take a ‘back seat’ in Mercedes title fight

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Ralf Schumacher addressed George Russell’s performance at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix compared to Kimi Antonelli.

Schumacher believes that Antonelli showed that he was the faster driver of the two, and if Mercedes decide to ammend their strategy, Russell will be forced to accept his role as a secondary driver.

“Kimi showed again today that he’s faster. I think he’ll get the right of way now, and that will be a bitter pill for George to swallow.

“For me, Kimi Antonelli is definitely number one today, and George Russell will have to take a back seat.”

Of course, it is a little too early to suggest that Antonelli passing Russell while not finishing the race means that he has usurped him within the Mercedes pecking order.

But there are those who believe that Mercedes showed too much consideration to Russell during the race, and that cost them the win.

READ MORE: David Coulthard fears George Russell is now in ‘a lonely place’ at Mercedes vs Kimi Antonelli

Nico Rosberg claims Mercedes being ‘too considerate’ of George Russell cost them the win in Barcelona

Nico Rosberg, who has been in George Russell’s shoes at Mercedes, believes the team prioritised him too much during the race, and didn’t put enough of an emphasis on securing a win.

“Mercedes was too considerate of George today. As soon as the team risks losing the victory, they all go for the team win. Mercedes could and should have done that earlier today.

“Hindsight is always 20/20. In qualifying, George can be as good as anyone, as good as Verstappen. In the race, I’m not sure if he’s not lacking something.

“Kimi seems to be very strong in the race. Today, Kimi was even stronger. This is a huge setback for George.”

Russell has suggested Mercedes are to blame for the issues he faced in recent races, as Antonelli’s winning streak was in full effect.

It’s been his struggles that have left Toto Wolff reconsidering Russell’s future with Mercedes. Hopefully, Russell can turn things around in the weeks to come.