George Russell desires to copy the position Lewis Hamilton performed in his improvement in relation to partnering Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025.
Antonelli will turn into Russell’s teammate at Mercedes subsequent season, with the group confirming the Italian’s promotion following his first FP1 outing at Monza. Each of the Mercedes’ 2025 drivers got here by its younger driver program, and Russell says the way in which Hamilton helped him develop as a younger driver is one thing he’s hoping to additionally do for 18-year-old Antonelli.
“I’m actually excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025,” Russell mentioned. “His report in junior formulae has been formidable and his promotion is actually deserved. He’s a incredible younger expertise and a fellow graduate of our junior program.
“I look ahead to utilizing the expertise I’ve gained from my very own journey to supply steering to Kimi as he makes the step as much as F1. I understand how a lot of a help Lewis was for me all through my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his teammate. I’ve discovered a lot from him and I hope to play an identical position for Kimi.
“As a group, we’re constructing quite a lot of optimistic momentum heading into subsequent 12 months. We proceed to make progress on observe and are working exhausting to place all of the items in place to struggle for world championships. It’s a actually thrilling journey we’re on; I’m assured Kimi and I can proceed to push the group ahead and assist ship on the promise we’re exhibiting.”
Antonelli says he’s equally eager to be taught from Russell, as he admits he may have quite a lot of growing to do in his rookie System 1 season having solely been racing in FRECA final 12 months.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be introduced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” Antonelli mentioned. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I used to be a small boy; I wish to thank the group for the help they’ve given me in my profession to this point and the religion they’ve proven in me. I’m nonetheless studying so much, however I really feel prepared for the chance. I will probably be centered on getting higher and delivering the very best outcomes for the group.
“I’m additionally actually excited to turn into George’s teammate. He got here by the group’s junior program identical to myself and is somebody I’ve an enormous quantity of respect for. He’s super-fast, a a number of Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me enhance as a driver. I’m wanting ahead to studying from him and dealing collectively to ship on observe.”
