Russell ready to guide Antonelli as Mercedes leader in 2025

©Mercedes

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Next season will mark the beginning of a new era for Mercedes in F1, with George Russell becoming the team’s effective leader flanked by promising young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The teenage sensation has been chosen to fill Lewis Hamilton’s seat at the Brackley squad following the seven-time world champion’s decision to move to Ferrari.

Drawing inspiration from his own journey with Hamilton, Russell hopes to provide Antonelli with the guidance and support he received during his formative years as a Mercedes junior in F1.

“I'm really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025,” Russell said after Mercedes confirmed its new line-up on Saturday.

“His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved.

“He's a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme. I look forward to using the experience I've gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.”

Read also: Mercedes confirm Antonelli for 2025 F1 seat alongside Russell

Reflecting on his time with Hamilton, Russell noted: "I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I've been his team-mate.

“I've learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi."

©Mercedes

Mercedes, which had experienced a decline in performance with the introduction of new regulations in 2022, has recently found its way back to the front of the grid, winning multiple races this season.

As the team aims to regain its championship-winning form, Russell believes that Antonelli can contribute significantly to this goal.

"As a team, we're building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year,” he added.

“We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships."

The Briton expressed confidence in the upcoming season, saying: "It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.