During a gripping Formula 2 race at Spa, Williams boss James Vowles couldn’t help but share his reactions with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff as they watched Kimi Antonelli’s impressive performance unfold.
Kimi Antonelli, a promising Mercedes rookie, captured the attention of many with his outstanding performance in Formula 2. As he makes his way through his rookie season with Prema, Antonelli is touted as a top candidate for a potential Mercedes Formula 1 seat in 2025, following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.
The young driver’s reputation grew after he secured his first win at the Silverstone sprint race and followed up with a significant victory in Hungary. Although the speculation is rife, rumors suggest that Williams might bring Antonelli into Formula 1 before Mercedes promotes him, especially considering the struggles of their current driver Logan Sargeant, who is in his final season with Williams. Carlos Sainz is set to join in 2025.
James Vowles, who worked with Mercedes before becoming the boss at Williams in 2023, remarked on Antonelli’s potential but emphasized that Wolff has not pressured him into recruiting Antonelli. Vowles, however, hinted that if Sargeant doesn’t improve his performance as the FW45 car upgrades, he might need to reassess his options.
According to Vowles, updates to improve Williams’ current standing in the Constructors’ Championship are expected after the summer break, targeting a significant improvement in races like those in Zandvoort and Baku/Singapore. Vowles spoke candidly about the situation, stating his commitment to giving Sargeant every opportunity to prove himself. Yet, he acknowledges the responsibility to maximize the team’s success in the standings.
In a behind-the-scenes peek, Vowles described a particularly “bloody impressive” moment during the Spa race, when Antonelli demonstrated extraordinary skill by overtaking Franco Colapinto in challenging wet conditions. That move left a strong impression on both Vowles and Wolff, prompting their message exchange as they witnessed Antonelli’s bravado firsthand.
While Vowles admires Antonelli’s skill and development, he noted, “He’s a good kid, but he’s 17.” Vowles expressed pride in Antonelli’s achievements thus far, having been part of his journey up until recently. Despite the speculation, Vowles admits uncertainty about whether Antonelli’s future path will converge with Williams.
Currently, Williams holds ninth place in the F1 2024 Constructors’ Championship, with only four points accumulated. As they continue to strategize for upcoming races and driver line-ups, the team faces pressure to enhance its competitive edge.
The ongoing conversations between Williams and Mercedes regarding Antonelli showcase the strategic dynamics at play in the world of Formula 1. As both teams navigate driver performances and future potentials, the ability of young drivers like Antonelli to make their mark remains a captivating story on the circuit.
