George Russell’s outside chances of competing for the 2025 Formula 1 title have faded in recent weeks after some woeful races for Mercedes.
Between both cars, the Silver Arrows have picked up just six points from the last two races. It’s their worst streak since 2021, also involving the Monaco Grand Prix.
Russell has been leading their charge since the departure of Lewis Hamilton over the winter, and sits fourth in the drivers’ championship.
However, teammate Kimi Antonelli has less than half his tally of points and has been learning a lot during his rookie season with Mercedes.
Worryingly, Mercedes are dealing with a ‘serious reliability issue’ which could hamper their progress for the rest of the campaign.
Russell’s radio messages show what Antonelli is lacking so far, with detailed feedback which is going to help his team in the long run. The more advice he can give, the quicker they can fix their issues and catch McLaren.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff tells Kimi Antonelli what he ‘still’ must improve to stop George Russell ‘calling the shots’ at Mercedes
Simone Resta shares how George Russell is helping Kimi Antonelli’s ‘growth’ at Mercedes in 2025
Now eight races into the season, a third of the 2025 Formula 1 calendar has already been completed. A lot of the learnings for rookies have already been completed and they will be expected to produce results now.
At a team like Mercedes, expectations are high. It may be why Russell has experienced a Mercedes contract delay as they figure out who they want to drive for them ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations.
One man who has been impressed with the Brit recently is Simone Resta, who was affiliated with Ferrari and their customer teams for over 20 years.
“I met George for the first time in October, so it has been six months from now. I’ve seen him working together with Lewis, trying to learn from one of the best in our sport. The best ever in our sport,” he said.
“Of course, now the time for him has been the time also to step up and become the most senior driver in the team. Giving the way to Kimi, showing everything that he has learned in those years and try to help Kimi’s growth in the meantime.
“He’s been doing a very good job, I think he’s really stepped up well in the team. We are quite happy so far,” he continued.
“He’s very young, and he’s very keen to develop himself. But, on the other hand, he’s also having quite a good experience because he’s now had seven seasons in F1. He knows very well the team, he knows very well the people and he’s in a very good stage to express his potential with the team now.”
READ MORE: George Russell was right about Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit as Kimi Antonelli doubles his points
Which other F1 teams could George Russell sign for ahead of the 2026 season?
Russell should drive for Mercedes in 2026 according to Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham, after encountering a different type of pressure as team leader.
It might be a beneficial move for him, too, if the rumours that their power unit is in a very strong position are true.
Mercedes prefer Max Verstappen to Russell, but the reigning champion is still under contract with Red Bull until 2028.
It would make for sensational headlines if the Dutchman were to switch, but his team have just started to build some momentum again in recent races.
It means that a Red Bull swap with Verstappen is unlikely but never impossible, while a Mercedes renewal feels more realistic. Alpine aren’t a bad last resort either.
Leave feedback about this