Rosberg: Russell set for shootout as Mercedes prioritize Verstappen

Nico Rosberg believes that next years’ inner-team rivalry at Mercedes between George Russell and future teammate Kimi Antonelli will turn into a proper shootout for a seat alongside Max Verstappen, the team’s “absolute priority” for 2026.

Mercedes announced at Monza last weekend that it has committed to entrusting Lewis Hamilton’s soon-to-be vacant seat to Antonelli, its 18-year-old sensation.

Toto Wolff revealed that both Russell and Antonelli are bound by long-term contracts to the Brackley squad although both covenants “are very complicated in terms of options”.

Therefore, the Austrian did not dismiss “flirting outside” as he called it, a hint that his personal quest to lure Verstappen to Mercedes will remain an ongoing affair.

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Rosberg is predicting some “uncomfortable” times for Russell next season.

“Verstappen is the absolute priority which is understandable because he’s one of the best five drivers of all time,” Rosberg told Sky F1 last weekend.

“So that’s something they are looking to do for 2026. Then, it really becomes a straight shootout between Antonelli and George.

“It won’t be a comfortable position for George. Because you have a young superstar, 18 years old. George is expected to beat Antonelli so he can almost only lose next year.

“It’s uncomfortable, he has to beat Antonelli to be kept on alongside Verstappen.

“George is maybe [in the] top two best qualifiers at the moment, he beats Lewis in almost every qualifying. So it won’t be easy for Kimi to beat George.”

Fellow Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle shared Rosberg’s view, although he emphasized that Russell will head into 2025 as Mercedes’ undisputable leader.

“George has got to be slightly nervous,” commented Brundle.

“Clearly, Toto is hugely invested personally in Antonelli, and is making overtures to Verstappen.

“George will be occasionally looking over his shoulder but, meanwhile, he’s the Mercedes team leader.”

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