Mercedes impressed by Kimi Antonelli’s adaptability
The Italian, the youngest driver on the grid, will be making his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes after replacing Lewis Hamilton. While this represents quite a challenge, his team is convinced that the qualities he has demonstrated in promotional formulas will help him to rise to the challenge.
A young driver to replace Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion has indeed made the decision, even before the start of the 2024 season, to join Ferrari. This decision has disrupted Mercedes’ plans. While the German team tried in vain to negotiate with Max Verstappen, they finally turned to their young protégé, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Italian is only 18 years old (he was born in 2006, the year of Fernando Alonso’s second title) but is promised a great future. He has already proven his talents in other categories.
Many titles in promotional offers
In 2022, during his second season in single-seaters, he impressed by winning the F4 titles in Italy and Germany. The following year, he again won two titles with the Formula Regional Middle East before winning the Formula Regional European Championship Alpine (FRECA).
Feats that allowed him to move directly to F2 the following year, still with Prema.
A driver who quickly adapts to the single-seater
Despite all his trophies, his transfer to Mercedes has been subject to many questions due to the Italian’s lack of experience in single-seaters. For Gwen Lagrue, the driver development advisor for the German team, his adaptability, already observed in karting championships, is what makes him so special and unique.
« With Kimi, I quickly noticed that he was a little different from the other young drivers in karting », explained the Frenchman to Autosport. « At that time, I just thought he was the best in karting, without considering F1. »
« During his first single-seater tests, his ability to adapt quickly to all situations revealed that he had something very special. That doesn’t mean he had everything from the start. It took a lot of work to help him grow, allow him to make mistakes, and learn. »
A season in Formula 2 that will serve him well.
Gwen Lagrue also praised the maturity shown by the Italian, particularly in F2. The Prema driver, who is very accustomed to competing for the title, had to settle for 6th place in the championship this time. Despite a challenging car, he had the opportunity to showcase all his talent, winning two races (sprint race at Silverstone and main race in Budapest).
« It was the first time he had to face difficult weekends, where he was unable to win or perform as he was used to. But I was very impressed by his maturity and leadership in these complicated situations », mentioned Gwen Lagrue, who sees the Italian as capable of meeting this great challenge.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli seems to handle the pressure, an asset that will be indispensable in his adventure with Mercedes as he prepares to experience one of the most thrilling stories in Formula 1.
