Russell faces Rosberg or Ricciardo crossroads, says Chandhok

Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok believes George Russell faces a defining point in his Formula 1 career, which could go either way. Chandhok said Russell, who has been beaten by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli this year, could follow the path of Nico Rosberg, who bounced back in 2016 to win the title after Lewis Hamilton's rise at Mercedes. Alternatively, he could follow Daniel Ricciardo, who left Red Bull after being overshadowed by Max Verstappen.

Chandhok said the next 15 months would be pivotal. Antonelli became the youngest F1 champion in history at the recent Mexico City Grand Prix, ending Russell's title challenge. Russell has said his season has been beset by issues, with just six clean weekends all year.

Chandhok acknowledged Russell has had more problems than his team-mate, but added that Antonelli has also been the faster Mercedes driver across the season.