After his Shanghai win, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has intensified the title fight with George Russell, and David Coulthard warns their friendship may already be over.
David Coulthard believes that the dynamic at Mercedes has changed radically following the Chinese Grand Prix.
According to the former Formula 1 driver, the friendship between George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli is now a thing of the past, as the two are battling for the world title.
The victory of 19-year-old Antonelli in Shanghai has sparked tensions within the German team. Although Russell leads the championship with 51 points, the gap to his teammate has narrowed to just four points after the last race.
On the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard states that it is unrealistic to think they still share the same camaraderie in the paddocks. "That friendship is over," he concludes.
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No friends, only rivals
Coulthard emphasizes that the term “teammate” is often misunderstood at the top level of motorsports. “George knows full well that he has a rival in the fight for the championship,” he says. The analyst adds that internal competition within the Zilverpijlen will become even more intense now that the team has a dominant car and the competition is far behind. "Calling him a teammate is misleading: he’s not your friend. His success means your failure, and vice versa," the former driver concludes.
Behind-the-scenes behavior
Although Russell is polite to the young Italian in public, Coulthard believes the reality behind the scenes is very different. "Let’s not kid ourselves: George congratulates Kimi in front of the cameras, but he’ll really do everything he can to make the most of every opportunity at Suzuka and in the upcoming races. Kimi’s team will have to do the same." The Scot compares the current situation at Mercedes to that of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at McLaren in 2025. "When the car was performing at its peak, both were competing for the title. This could be the only time the new regulations give Mercedes such a clear advantage," Coulthard asserts.
Experience as the Deciding Factor
Despite Antonelli’s speed, Coulthard is confident that Russell’s experience will be decisive over the course of this long season. Recalling last year’s duel at McLaren, where Norris held an advantage due to his greater racing experience, the former driver comments: “The Briton’s experience will help him maintain consistency throughout the championship.” Additionally, Coulthard warns about the mental toll of a first victory and how this could affect a driver ahead of the next race in Japan. "If George wins again, he won’t experience the emotional roller coaster that Kimi went through. That intensity, while exciting, is exhausting. Now, both must focus on Suzuka."
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