Drop Russell Or Antonelli? Steiner Advises Wolff If Verstappen Becomes An Option
F1Sunday, 13 October 2024 at 16:00
Guenther Steiner discussed whether Toto Wolff should drop George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli for Max Verstappen next year.
Although he says he is happy with Red Bull at the moment, Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull Racing as soon as next year if he isn't satisfied with his car's performance.
Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko warned about it, and the Dutchman doesn't deny it either. Where would he go then? Guenther Steiner said he believed that would be Mercedes.
This puts some pressure on Mercedes drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. If one of them is to be replaced, they both have to show their best next year.
The decision would also not be easy for the team principal of Silver Arrows - Toto Wolff. Both Russell and Antonelli are products of his (Mercedes) academy, and he has publicly stated in the past that he believes both can be World Champions. Steiner told Express Sport:
"You need to see the glass half full here! It's a good position. It will be a tough decision to make, but it's a good decision."
"You have a choice, you know, and have got now a year where you can test out Kimi Antonelli, how he compares to George, and we know how good Max is. So it depends a little bit on how they do, and in the end, he can make a decision what he does."
Ultimately, the former team principal of Haas believes that dropping either of the two Mercedes drivers (for 2025) can be justified. He added:
"Obviously, they put a lot into George and his development, but now George has a few years at Mercedes, so if you have to let him go, you have to let him go. Same with Kimi. They put a lot into it."
"But if he's not up to it, it's better to let him go now (in 2025) than after three years of unsuccessful seasons. So I think he's in a very good position."
"Maybe not a nice position but for the team, you cannot have any better. You have the pick of the litter."
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