George Russell has already promoted Kimi Antonelli.

The next rookie è has already been promoted by his teammate.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has yet to contest his first career Formula 1 Grand Prix, but the one with whom he will share the Mercedes pit box in 2025 has already promoted him. This is, of course, George Russell, who has spoken words of high praise for the Bolognese just 18 years old and called to fill the seat left empty by none other than Lewis Hamilton.
"Antonelli does not yet have great experience, but è a fantastic driver,” Russell stressed to the official Mercedes website, “I am sure he will be able to complete his preparation very quickly. And è already; perfectly integrated into the team".
Russell, moreover, sees commonalities between himself and young Antonelli. "We both started racing when we were still kids,‖ the British Mercedes driver pointed out.
We are both able to understand how to communicate with the team, and his voice will also be important. Although è still very young".
"Now the most experienced driver in Mercedes is me, and I recognize my role. A new chapter in my career is about to begin, Hamilton began his domination here at 29 and Michael Schumacher was 30 when he beganò winning in Ferrari. I, too, therefore, must begin to assume an important role in the team", Russell concluded.