A rookie and a driver who, despite his talent, has never been the lead driver of a title-contending team. This is how Mercedes is approaching the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season—without Lewis Hamilton but with the hunger of its two chosen drivers, who must fuel both the present and the future.
George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli form the new driver duo for the Brackley-based team, which remains ambitious but has had to turn the page on the most successful chapter in its history following Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari at the start of the season.
George Russell, now the undisputed leader of Mercedes at least for this season, believes he has yet to reach his peak performance level. Mercedes is coming off a third-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, and although the new driver lineup is untested, Russell is confident it has everything needed to deliver strong results right from the start.
“I believe 2024 was my best year in F1. This will be my seventh season in Formula 1 and my fourth as an official Mercedes driver. I’m working hard to improve year after year. As a team, we are very motivated to progress from last season. There’s great energy in Brackley and Brixworth, so I can’t wait to get on track.”
“It’s also fantastic to have a new teammate this year, especially someone like Kimi. He’s extremely fast, and I think we’ll form a great partnership. Of course, he has a lot to learn in his first season, but I’m looking forward to helping him and working together to push the team forward.”
While Russell feels ready to take charge of the team, Andrea Kimi Antonelli can barely contain his excitement. His debut behind the wheel of the W16 is fast approaching—he will take the track on the morning of the first of three test days in Sakhir—and he knows he will need to adapt quickly but also methodically.
His mistake during Free Practice 1 at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix in Monza should serve not as a warning but as a learning experience—taking things step by step to eventually unleash the undeniable talent Mercedes has been investing in for years.
“I can’t wait to make my F1 debut this year. It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m grateful to everyone at Mercedes for the trust they’ve placed in me. I worked very hard over the winter to be as ready as possible, and now I can’t wait for the season to start.”
“My goal will be to keep learning, be consistent, and do the best possible job for the team. I’m excited to work with George. We’re already getting along well, and it’s great to have the support of a driver who also came through Mercedes’ young driver academy. He’s an incredibly strong driver, and I think together we’ll make a great pair.”
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