Russell's Seat In Mercedes 'Could Be In Danger' According To Schumacher

Tuesday, 18 June 2024 at 18:00

George Russell's future with Mercedes could be in danger, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who sees a scenario that could mean there would be no place for the Briton.

George Russell has been with Mercedes since the start of the 2022 season. Ever since he joined, he has played an equal game with his teammate, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Moreover, Silver Arrows' team principal, Toto Wolff, labeled the 26-year-old as the "future of Mercedes" once the 39-year-old departs the team at the end of the season.

But is Russell really the future of Mercedes? Wolff already has eyes on another young super talent- Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is currently understood to be the most likely candidate for Hamilton's seat from 2025. Ralf Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany.

"From Toto Wolff's point of view, Kimi Antonelli deserves the chance, and there are apparently contractual agreements."

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"It doesn't say which team it has to be with - but because Williams is already taken, I assume it will be with Mercedes. Wolff himself has said that he wants to focus on the future. Now is the perfect time."

Schumacher said the second seat in Williams was already taken because, at the time of his interview, rumors suggested Carlos Sainz had already signed with the British F1 team.

According to the former F1 driver, Russell might have a problem if Max Verstappen decided to leave Red Bull. The Dutchman's contract has a clause that allows him to leave whenever he wants.

At the same time, Russell's contract with Mercedes ends at the end of the 2025 season. Should the Mercedes driver be worried about his seat if the Triple World Champion decides to leave the Austrian team? Schumacher added:

"Mercedes is in a state of upheaval again, and had an excellent race in Canada. This is the perfect time for Antonelli to warm up. If Max Verstappen really decides to leave Red Bull, I can imagine that there will be a seat for him at Mercedes."

"Then it could be rather bad for George Russell. He is or was a super talent, but he also makes a lot of mistakes. If a world champion is on the market, I can imagine that George Russell's job could also be in danger."