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The 2026 F1 season is shaping up to be a contest between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the drivers’ title, and Riccardo Patrese believes the ball is in his compatriot’s court.
Both drivers are looking to claim their maiden championship in the pinnacle of single-seater motor racing, and any form of title fight between the two Silver Arrows would mark the first time since 2016 that Mercedes have had an intra-team championship battle.
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Mind games were rife between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg back then, and Antonelli has already addressed the possibility of them being present this year after asserting that he is ready for anything Russell throws at him.
The Briton is widely expected to have the upper hand on his teenage teammate due to the added experience he already has in F1, but the Chinese Grand Prix showcased that Antonelli will not make it easy for him at all.
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During an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese touched upon Antonelli’s chances of becoming a world champion this season with Mercedes.
Some figures in the F1 paddock have theorised that Russell will be feeling the pressure more than Antonelli if a title fight did come to fruition in the latter stages of the season, due to the Briton’s status as the lead driver for the Silver Arrows.
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It’s a sentiment that Patrese also believes in. After being asked if the young Italian has a better chance of end-of-year silverware in 2026, he replied, “Absolutely.”
The six-time Grand Prix winner then added, “First of all, because Toto Wolff wanted him at Mercedes; he took a chance on him when everyone else was practically calling him mad.
“Instead, I think he made the right decision because he backed a lad with extraordinary talent. Then there’s Russell: he’s a good driver, but he’s not a champion like Verstappen.
“I told Kimi he has to win the World Championship this year. He laughed, but he knows that by 2027, he might not have the fastest car.”
- READ MORE: Nelson Piquet Jr says George Russell would complain just like Max Verstappen if they swapped cars
Riccardo Patrese also sees Ferrari as Mercedes’ most ‘formidable’ rival during 2026 F1 season
Patrese also noted Ferrari as a potential problem for Antonelli’s championship hopes. While Mercedes look to have the stronger package at the moment, there’s no guarantee that it will last all season.
Asked if the Scuderia can close the gap to their German rivals, he replied, “I think they’ve done a good job. Right now, they’re the Silver Arrows’ most formidable rivals, and the cars are still evolving due to the new regulations.
“The Scuderia might come up with some interesting solutions: let’s wait a few months and see what happens.”
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