Schumacher says Russell risks becoming Antonelli's Barrichello

Ralf Schumacher has said George Russell's future at Mercedes is to play the role Rubens Barrichello once did at Ferrari, with Kimi Antonelli cast as the lead driver. Speaking on Sky Germany's Backstage Boxengasse podcast, he suggested Russell should examine his own performances in 2026, asking whether his setbacks were all bad luck or partly avoidable.

Russell sits third in the Drivers' standings with three rounds remaining, 17 points behind Max Verstappen. He has faced a qualifying setback in China, retirements in Canada and Malaysia, and repeated power unit deployment complaints. Antonelli also suffered reliability problems, losing a likely Silverstone win and a second place in Barcelona.

Schumacher said he had no doubt about Russell's position and did not see him as a true rival to Antonelli, adding that the matter was settled unless Antonelli failed to adapt to the new car package.