George Russell “I needn’t coach Antonelli in F1″[F1-Gate.com]

George Russell believes he is not going to want to educate younger Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as soon as he’s promoted to an F1 staff. Mercedes has not determined who will substitute seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton if he leaves for Ferrari on the finish of this season.

Beforehand, Carlos Sainz Jr., who’s leaving Ferrari to affix Hamilton, had emerged as a possible candidate, however Mercedes F1 staff boss Toto Wolff has made it clear that it’s not potential. Toto Wolff is now planning to spend money on younger gamers, however it’s not clear whether or not 17-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will take the seat subsequent yr or in 2026. He had a driver equality coverage has at all times been at Mercedes, but when Antonelli is promoted, Russell will take the staff’s principal position. As for whether or not he feels an obligation to mentor Antonelli, Russell insists he intends to encourage the rising star to carve his personal path. “I do not essentially assume that actually gifted drivers want the steering of different drivers,” Russell mentioned. “Everybody has to search out their very own manner and make their very own errors.” “I consider in myself and I’ve confidence and assist,” Russell mentioned. “Historical past has proven that if you wish to compete for championships, you want teammates to push you. to get the most effective out of you and make it easier to compete for the highest. “I should be by my aspect.” “You “I’ve seen up to now how troublesome that’s while you’re combating alone towards two automobiles which have a strategic benefit.” “Who’s going to be by my aspect subsequent yr?” No matter occurs, it is going to maintain me on my toes without end. I am excited concerning the change. Nice job.” However based on Toto Wolff, Antonelli is the way forward for Mercedes. Nonetheless, it’s not clear when that can occur. “We have began a path the place we need to reinvent ourselves a bit of bit sooner or later, and Kimi Antonelli will certainly be part of that,” Wulff mentioned. “We’ve not decided for the nonetheless subsequent yr, however we did not need Carlos to remain as a result of he has to make his personal resolution. That is solely honest.”