Russell voices Antonelli threat concern

George Russell has described why he is aware of the threat Kimi Antonelli may pose during their first season paired together.

Antonelli has been promoted to a Mercedes drive this year, replacing Lewis Hamilton who departed the squad in favour of a new chapter at Ferrari.

The Italian has spiralled up the racing ladder en route to F1, having been part of the Mercedes development programme for several years, enjoying various success in karting and single-seater championships.

The 18-year-old has been hailed for the raw speed displayed throughout his short career to date, which Russell expects will put him under pressure despite having experience over his rookie team-mate.

“I think he'll definitely keep me on my toes, there’s no doubt about that,” Russell told sport.de. “When I think back to when I was 18, I don't feel any faster today.

“I feel more experienced. I know how to deal with the pressure of F1 and everything that comes with working with a team of 2,000 people.

“But in terms of speed, you either have it or you don’t. I think he has it, so I'm going to give him a lot of respect.”

Mercedes enter the year looking to put its woes of the last three seasons behind it and sit as a consistent front-runner once again.

While Russell outlined the pair will work together to achieve the best result for the team, he is wary Antonelli will push to impress at an early stage.

“We're going to work well as a team, I’m excited to see what he can achieve,” Russell said.

“But you should never be naive, especially when the youngsters are coming in, because I remember when I was that age, and you have a lot of fire within you.”