Russell Shares His Thoughts on Antonelli as Potential 2025 F1 Teammate
In a recent interview, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team driver George Russell opened up about his thoughts on the possibility of having Kimi Räikkönen as his teammate for the 2025 season. While some have speculated that the Finn would be an unconventional pairing, Russell believes that Räikkönen’s experience and skillset could bring significant benefits to the team.
"I think Kimi is an excellent driver, and I’ve always been a fan of his," Russell said. "He’s a true workhorse and has a deep understanding of the sport. His ability to blend consistency with occasional flashes of brilliance makes him a great competitor. I’m sure he would be a great teammate, and I’d be happy to work alongside him."
Räikkönen’s addition to the lineup would mark a significant change of pace from Russell’s current teammate, Valtteri Bottas, who joined the team in 2021. While Bottas has had his share of struggles, Russell credits him with helping him grow as a driver and improving the team’s overall performance. However, he also acknowledges that Räikkönen’s vastly different style could bring a much-needed injection of freshness to the team.
"In many ways, Kimi is a bit of a throwback to a more aggressive era of F1, where drivers would push the limits and take more risks," Russell explained. "That’s not to say I don’t think Valter is an excellent driver, because he is, but I believe Kimi’s style could bring out the most in our car and the best in me. I’m confident we could learn a lot from each other and work together to achieve strong results."
Räikkönen’s appointment would also mark a first for the team, as it would bring a four-time World Champion on board. Russell recognizes the significance of sharing the garage with a driver of Räikkönen’s caliber and the opportunities it presents for both drivers to learn and grow.
"The fact that we’re even considering Kimi for a seat is a testament to the team’s commitment to on-the-ground performance and results," Russell said. "I think it’s a sign that we’re willing to take calculated risks and bring in talent that wouldn’t typically be available. As a driver, You can’t ask for much more than that."
While the news is still speculative, Russell remains optimistic about the prospect of racing alongside Räikkönen. If the rumors come to fruition, fans can expect an intriguing dynamic to develop within the Mercedes pit-lane, with two world-class drivers pushing each other to new heights.
Regardless of the outcome, George Russell’s thoughts on Kimi Räikkönen as a potential teammate serve as a testament to the esteem in which he holds his fellow competitors and the respect he has for the sport as a whole. With the 2025 season still in the midst of speculation, one thing is clear: the competition is heating up, and the potential for an unforgettable season has never been higher.
