Russell reckons Antonelli will 'keep me on my toes' in 2025 as he outlines expectations for their partnership

George Russell is anticipating that his soon-to-be team mate Kimi Antonelli will keep him on his toes in 2025, with the Briton admitting that he is looking forward to the “new challenge” posed by the youngster’s arrival at Mercedes.

Months on from the confirmation of Lewis Hamilton’s shock departure to Ferrari next year, the Silver Arrows announced during the Italian Grand Prix weekend that 18-year-old Antonelli will make the step up to replace the seven-time world champion.

READ MORE: From Hulkenberg to Hamilton – how the most hyped drivers fared in Formula 1

This came a day after Antonelli – who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks, having embarked on his first F2 campaign this season after bypassing F3 – made his FP1 debut at Monza, a run that ended early when the teenager crashed out 10 minutes into the session.

Asked about the qualities Antonelli possesses that make him ready to compete in Formula 1 at such an early stage of his career, Russell acknowledged that the Italian will make errors but suggested that his speed is the most important factor.

“I think I’ve always believed that you gain a lot over time with experience, in terms of how to deal with the race weekend, the tyres, the team, but I don’t believe I’m any faster today on raw pace than I was when I was 17 years old,” Russell explained.

READ MORE: Wolff admits Antonelli's mistakes will be 'more visible' than Russell's when F1 career begins

“And I think you’ve either got the speed or you don’t have the speed, and Kimi absolutely has the speed. He’s proven that in all of his categories.

“There will be mistakes on the way as there were for all of us – I think every single driver on the grid in Formula 1 in their first couple of seasons made very visual mistakes, and that’s going to be obviously highlighted more for any driver who’s at the front of the field.

“But Kimi’s exceptionally fast and I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be really keeping me on my toes next year, and I’m really looking forward to a new challenge. Three years working with Lewis has been exceptional, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do together from next year onwards.”

READ MORE: ‘We missed an Italian on the F1 grid’ – Ex-F1 driver Liuzzi tips ‘amazing’ Antonelli to shine at Mercedes

While Antonelli will have to wait until the 2025 season kicks off to experience a full race weekend in Formula 1, the rookie looks set to push on with his preparations ahead of this.

Another FP1 outing is expected in Mexico, while his private testing programme with Mercedes will also continue alongside the completion of his debut F2 season.