Jacques Villeneuve holds his opinions on the predicament Mercedes faces in selecting a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari, and becoming George Russell’s teammate from 2025. This is arguably one of the most sought-after positions in Formula 1.
A potential solution appeared to be a swap with Carlos Sainz. However, reports suggest that the Spaniard is not on Mercedes’ list of candidates. This leaves 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the latest protege of team principal Toto Wolff, as the frontrunner for the seat, despite his young age and lack of experience.
Villeneuve disagrees with this choice, stating, “We have not witnessed enough impressive performances from Kimi Antonelli in F2 to make any predictions about his performance in F1. Mercedes has been hyping him up, claiming he was faster than George Russell during testing. If that is true, why haven’t they already signed him? It seems strange that Mercedes, who know his abilities best, are promoting him while no other team is actively pursuing him. Antonelli may have the potential to be a great F1 driver, but he is likely not ready.”
The sensible decision would be to follow the path taken with Valtteri Bottas and Russell by sending the teenager to Williams. Only time will tell if Wolff is willing to take the significant risk of placing Antonelli directly into a Mercedes and subjecting him to the pressure that comes with it.
While some compare Antonelli’s situation to that of Max Verstappen, who was fast-tracked into F1, it is important to note that the Dutchman first spent time at Toro Rosso before being promoted to the Red Bull team. Unlike the three-time F1 World Champion, Antonelli will have no place to hide if he is thrust into a top-four team.
Wolff also holds a high regard for their reserve driver, Mick Schumacher. However, like others, the Mercedes team boss believes that Michael Schumacher’s son did not receive a fair opportunity in the top flight. Could Mick defy the odds and become Russell’s teammate in 2025?
Villeneuve commented on the Mercedes F1 reserve, saying, “It does not seem like any team is eager to have Mick Schumacher drive for them. Mick and his team have made efforts, but no one appears to be rushing to secure his services. The issue lies in the fact that his time in F1 did not end positively. While he may be performing better and showing promise in his current position, the evidence is clear for everyone to see. Teams are concerned. Do they want to take the risk of hoping Mick will improve? At the moment, it does not seem likely.”
“If a team decides to hire Mick as an F1 driver, it’s because they are seeking the Schumacher brand and hoping he performs better than he did at Haas. It’s a risk that Audi might be willing to take,” suggested the 1997 F1 World Champion.
Regarding the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes next year, Villeneuve speculated: “It depends on what opportunities arise for Max Verstappen. McLaren doesn’t have any available spots. Would he receive better treatment at Mercedes? And would he take George Russell or Kimi Antonelli’s position?
Both Russell and Antonelli are affiliated with Mercedes and have received significant investment. However, Mercedes would likely be interested in signing Verstappen simply to weaken their main rivals, Red Bull, by taking away their star driver.
“There isn’t currently a suitable team for Verstappen to move to, but we’ll have to consider the long-term. He has been immersed in the Red Bull environment throughout his entire career, and it won’t be easy to replicate that comfortable atmosphere at another team,” Villeneuve concluded on the subject.
