Nico Rosberg insists that George Russell faces a “shootout” to maintain his 2026 Mercedes seat.
Mercedes have confirmed that teenage starlet Kimi Antonelli will change Lewis Hamilton, alongside Russell, subsequent 12 months.
Nonetheless, rumours linking them with Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen for 2026 (when the brand new F1 laws start) haven’t gone away.
“Verstappen is absolutely the precedence which is comprehensible as a result of he’s top-of-the-line 5 drivers of all time,” ex-Mercedes driver and 2016 F1 champion Rosberg informed Sky Sports activities.
“In order that’s one thing they need to do for 2026.
“Then, it actually turns into a straight shootout between Antonelli and George.
“It received’t be a snug place for George. As a result of you’ve a younger famous person, 18 years outdated. George is anticipated to beat Antonelli so he can nearly solely lose subsequent 12 months.
“It’s uncomfortable, he has to beat Antonelli to be stored on alongside Verstappen.”
However Rosberg added: “George is possibly [in the] high two greatest qualifiers in the intervening time, he beats Lewis in nearly each qualifying. So it received’t be straightforward for Kimi to beat George.”
Martin Brundle added: “George has obtained to be barely nervous.
“Clearly, Toto is massively invested personally in Antonelli, and is making overtures to Verstappen.
“George shall be often wanting over his shoulder however, in the meantime, he’s the Mercedes workforce chief.”
Russell and Antonelli will kind a new-look duo at Mercedes in 2025 when Hamilton goes to Ferrari.
However in 2026 your complete F1 panorama may change when the brand new engine laws start.
Mercedes are the workforce who, contained in the paddock, are spoken about as having an engine to envy.
If that involves fruition then they may fancy their possibilities of tempting Verstappen throughout from Crimson Bull.
