Lewis Hamilton dropped the biggest bombshell of the 2024 season when he announced his move to Ferrari. This move left Mercedes with a massive void, as replacing a seven-time world champion is never easy. However, the Silver Arrows had a plan, as they named an Italian racing prodigy as Hamilton’s successor. Kimi Andrea Antonelli has been a trending name in F2 and has created ripples in F1. Antonelli was dubbed the next big thing with an emphatic run in the junior sub-division.
As a result, the German Marque wasted no time signing the teenage sensation. Despite his debut FP session run ending in a crash, the team continues to back the youngster. However, the pressure of steering an F1 car is bigger than anything—that, too, if you’re replacing a legendary racer. Therefore, Kimi Antonelli recently opened up about the excessive pressure. He also explained how Mercedes is helping him navigate through the turbulent water.
Mercedes’s Plan To Turn Kimi Antonelli Into An F1 Superstar
Kimi Antonelli had a media interaction in which he talked about the immense pressure of F1. He said the Mercedes squad is the main factor in dealing with pressure. He further explained that the team keeps pushing him, and his belief becomes his driving force. Moreover, the teenager claimed the Silver Arrows helped him cope with pressure, as it’s never easy for an 18-year-old teenager to ride alongside F1 giants. The Italian had a nightmarish start to his F1 leg, crashing into the compound wall during his FP1 debut in Monza. However, the entire team continued to support him, Toto Wolff assuring everyone of Kimi’s ability to bounce back.
The pressure of stepping onto the biggest motorsport stage is enough to intimidate any teenager, and Kimi is no exception. However, he carries the additional baggage of replacing a seven-time world champion. Regarding this huge responsibility, Kimi said replacing someone like Hamilton is impossible. Therefore, he doesn’t want to be seen as Hamilton’s replacement; instead, he wants to establish himself as the next Mercedes driver. Moreover, the Prema racing driver is excited to kickstart his F1 career with one of the most successful teams on the paddock.
Is Kimi Antonelli’s F1 Debut Timely Or Rushed?
When Kimi was announced as a Mercedes driver for 2025, several F1 experts questioned the decision. According to them, the youngster should have been given a chance at Williams or any other team before stepping into an F1 elite. Moreover, this sudden promotion could hamper his growth, leaving him in a pressure puddle.
On the other hand, Toto Wolff has showcased trust in the young racer. He believed Kimi was ready for the challenge, as he had already been in the old Mercedes F1 cars during testing. Therefore, he could definitely step up and take the mantle. However, only Kimi’s on-track performance could tell whether it was the right decision or a blunder.