Kimi Antonelli’s rapid ascent in motor racing has caught the attention of Mercedes. Here’s what you need to know about the young driver’s potential leap to F1:
- Bernie Collins believes Antonelli will be ready for F1, but thinks Williams would have been a softer landing.
- Antonelli is Mercedes’ top pick to replace Lewis Hamilton, despite the Italian’s own doubts.
- Mercedes has been prepping Antonelli through rigorous testing, yet details remain under wraps.
- Team boss Toto Wolff views Antonelli joining Mercedes as a well-calculated risk, considering his talent and potential.
Kimi Antonelli has zoomed through the ranks of motor racing, and Mercedes is eyeing him for a Formula 1 seat. According to Bernie Collins, Antonelli is nearly ready for F1, though she admits that a transition through Williams would have been easier for the young driver.
The 17-year-old Italian is touted as Mercedes’ first choice to replace the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Yet, Antonelli himself has expressed uncertainty. After a victory in Hungary, he said, “I don’t know if I will be ready, to be honest. I’m still learning a lot in F2.” His candor is refreshing: “I definitely still make a lot of mistakes… I just want to be honest.”
Mercedes is gearing up Antonelli for F1 with numerous Testing of Previous Car (TPC) outings. He has tested at top-tier tracks like the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Spa. However, Mercedes has been tight-lipped about the specifics of these outings.
Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins remarked that none of us can see what is happening in testing, thus making it hard to gauge Antonelli’s preparedness. She found it interesting that Antonelli admitted his own doubts. “These guys are confident beyond what we can imagine,” she added.
Collins also highlighted the difference between Mercedes and Ferrari’s approach to promoting young drivers. She referenced Oliver Bearman’s impressive debut with Ferrari and drew a comparison with Antonelli’s situation. Mercedes, unlike Ferrari, might be taking a bigger risk. However, Collins believes Antonelli will rise to the challenge given his extensive testing.
Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, called Antonelli joining George Russell in 2025 a “calculated risk.” Wolff emphasized, “Kimi has enormous potential. His speed and talent are at a certain level, he just lacks the experience. So I’m happy to take a risk with Antonelli.”
Craig Slater, another pundit, echoed these sentiments, stating that Antonelli is the most intriguing option for Mercedes. “I think Antonelli is the most interesting one… I just can’t see another option for Mercedes,” he said.
All eyes will now be on Antonelli as he gears up for what could be a monumental step in his racing career.
Source: Planetf1
