Antonelli sees himself "getting closer" to Russell but already looking at the goal of "overtaking him"

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli says he sees himself "getting closer" to teammate George Russell in just his fifth Grand Prix weekend, but still pushing to "overtake him".

It's been a fine start to the 18-year-old's rookie season at Mercedes, sitting on 30 points to help Mercedes move up to second in the constructors' championship.

It's also been very helpful for the Italian to be alongside Russell to start his F1 career, with the Brit making a hugely impressive start to 2025 with three podiums in four races.

During qualifying at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Russell found himself in the top three, with Antonelli just behind him with a fine P5, getting closer and closer to his teammate.

Antonelli looking for more even after postive start

Speaking in the paddock in Jeddah after qualifying, speaking to several media sources, including GPblog, Antonelli could feel like he is making his way up the grid and closer to Russell.

"I'm getting closer, I can feel that. Of course, George is driving super well. His qualifying pace is pretty impressive. So it's good because I'm able to push myself even further. But yeah, I feel like I'm getting closer and closer, and now it's more about putting everything together," said the Italian.

Read also

Wolff upbeat with Mercedes squad amid Verstappen exit rumours: 'Couldn't wish for anything better'

Russell and Mercedes outfoxed by Verstappen and Red Bull's "really good" run plan

"[Russell] is driving super strong; he had a really good start to the season. So, for sure, I'm trying to analyse and learn as much as possible from his data. But overall, it's good because I'm able to see what I can do better and to push myself even further. So, it's definitely good to have someone like him in the team," he continued.

However, answering a question from GPblog, Antonelli is hoping for even more come the end of the season: "I'm happy with how close I am at the moment. But of course, the goal is to overtake him. I'm very well aware that it's not going to be easy, because he's very, very strong. But yeah, every weekend is a good learning, and now looking forward to tomorrow," he concluded.