Russell is tipped by many to be the favourite for this season's Drivers' world title, but could face a challenge from his young teammate Antonelli, who trails the Briton by just four points after the first two rounds.

While team principal Toto Wolff has expressed confidence that a title fight between his two junior team graduates will not descend into a bitter feud as seen between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, Coulthard nonetheless believes a battle is brewing behind a Mercedes "façade."

Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard noted Russell congratulated Antonelli on his maiden F1 win in China, but will be "trying to get every advantage he can over him for Suzuka."

On whether things can remain friendly between the Mercedes pair, Coulthard said: "Well, look, it's done. It's done now because George knows he has a real threat for this championship.

Elsewhere, former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has raved about Kimi Antonelli's winning performance last time out in Shanghai, but has admitted some regret that it wasn't done in the red overalls of the Scuderia.

However, the 78-year-old also conceded a move to Ferrari could have "destroyed" the young Antonelli, and offered some words of advice to his compatriot.

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