Nico Rosberg, familiar with racing’s peaks and valleys, has turned his gaze toward a young driver he believes could match the prowess of champion Max Verstappen—Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is gearing up to take a seat in Formula 1 by 2025. His talents have been likened to those of Max Verstappen, the indefatigable racer with an array of drivers’ titles under his belt. Nico Rosberg suggests a bold strategy: a mid-season swap with Williams to give Antonelli the stage he needs to shine.
Currently, Mercedes is on the lookout for a successor to Lewis Hamilton, and team principal Toto Wolff has hinted Antonelli is a top contender. The young driver, having recently transitioned from claiming victory in the Formula Regional European Championship to competing in Formula 2, is presently seated at seventh in the championship standings, with two wins marking his rookie season.
However, both Antonelli and his teammate Oliver Bearman, who is confirmed for Haas in 2025, are finding it tough to make a mark with their current vehicle. Rosberg attributes these challenges to the shortcomings of the Prema F2 car rather than the drivers, advocating for a shift that could reveal Antonelli’s true potential. According to Rosberg, being with a team like Williams could be the key to allowing Antonelli to build the confidence necessary for a future with Mercedes.
Meanwhile, speculation grows around Williams’ lineup, as Carlos Sainz is set to join Alex Albon for 2025, but the fate of Logan Sargeant remains uncertain. Rumors suggest Antonelli could make a mid-season debut with the team, a move Rosberg supports for its potential to unleash Antonelli’s capabilities.
Rosberg, reflecting on Antonelli’s early days with his karting team, asserts that Antonelli possesses “Max Verstappen-level” talent, a formidable comparison considering Verstappen’s current dominance in F1. Rosberg feels that Mercedes, with a leader like George Russell already in place, could afford to take a chance on the young driver and allow him to learn from early missteps.
Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, shared his admiration for Antonelli’s skills during an F2 race at Spa, noting his impressive maneuvers against fellow racer Franco Colapinto. Despite the uncertainties about Antonelli’s immediate path, Vowles, who has supported his journey, confessed pride in whatever Antonelli achieves.
In Rosberg’s eyes, Antonelli’s future is promising, but for that to materialize, the right opportunities must align. Advocating for a move to Williams might catalyze an impressive F1 career for Antonelli, possibly paving his way to a leading role at Mercedes.
