Villeneuve certain: 'Russell can win the world title, but can Antonelli help Mercedes develop?'

07:50, 05 Apr

Updated: 08:02, 05 Apr

byToby Nixon

1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve is convinced that George Russell and Mercedes have a solid chance at winning the 2025 F1 world title as their efforts have so far gone 'under the radar'.

Russell has started the 2025 season solidly. The Brit finished the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in third place and backed up that podium with another third at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The three-time Grand Prix winner had a decent FP3 and will be hoping to back up those efforts in the upcoming qualifying session for the Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.

Can Russell become a world champion in 2025? "Yes, because they've been going under the radar," the Canadian explained on Sky Sports.

'Mercedes are always up there'

"They've got more points than actually we know. They're always up there, they're always competitive. He's done really well, but is Antonelli ready to help them develop that car? That's the big question."

Kimi Antonelli has started his Formula 1 career well, scoring 22 points after the first two rounds. The rookie's solid efforts have helped Mercedes to se ond in the constructors standings on 57 points. They trail leaders McLaren by 21 points. The Papaya team sit out front on 78 after winning the first two Grands Prix.

Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Suzuka Circuit on Saturday

If Mercedes are to launch a title challenge, Villeneuve suggests that the Silver Arrows need both cars working together at a similar level to continue developing, highlighting McLaren as a prime example.

"He's (Antonelli) young, and doesn't have the experience. He's driving OK, he's gotten big points, but McLaren, why did they become so competitive? Two drivers, actually, developing that car.

"He's an aggressive driver. Every time he goes out of track, he thinks something's going to happen," Villeneuve concluded.

Qualifying gets underway imminently in Japan. Follow along with all the action here.