Mercedes F1 launches a new chapter by promoting Antonelli, aiming for a seamless transition following Hamilton’s impactful departure.
Mercedes F1 attempted to recruit Max Verstappen this winter but ultimately decided to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli, their most promising young driver. Toto Wolff, the team principal, explains that this decision is highly positive as it allows them to open a new chapter.
“The time has come for a generational change after Lewis’s departure, as nothing will be the same anymore,” Wolff told Autosprint. “We’ll have a young team next year. Starting the season with George and Antonelli means we’re entering a new era.”
“The previous era was great, and now it’s time to turn the page and make a fresh start. The reason Antonelli is driving directly for Mercedes and not debuting with Williams is that we want him fresh, uncontaminated—if I may put it that way—by external experiences.”
“If he first went to another team, he’d learn different things, different behaviors, and have technical notions different from ours. We want to avoid that. I believe there’s only an upside to having a young driver with us right away.”
The Austrian does admit, however, that he waited for a negative response regarding Verstappen: “Of course, we were interested in Verstappen, but it quickly became clear that, in all likelihood, he wasn’t going to Mercedes. So, Kimi is the best choice for us.”
“We want to start a new chapter with Mercedes. It’s an exciting time, and we believe we’ve found the right combination for the future. With Lewis, an icon is leaving. As for Ferrari’s story next year, there will be a lot of noise—it’s a decision with extraordinary consequences.”
Antonelli understood his “responsibilities” at Monza
Wolff praised Antonelli’s ability to quickly get up to speed but reminded him that he will need to balance that with caution: “I think one of the key traits of the best drivers is to get going and be fast right away.”
“You’ll recall when we spoke about the F3 tests at Silverstone in the rain, where two drivers were on the track, and he was four seconds faster than the others. That’s what happened on the first day of testing at Monza.”
“And that will be a valuable lesson. Because it’s not about having fun in an F3 car at Silverstone in the rain. This is Formula 1. There are also many responsibilities that come with it, representing the world’s best car brand, for thousands of people.”
“And that’s why Kimi landed in a very, very tough way. I think that moment must have been extremely difficult. It compromised George’s day and his week. Kimi knows this. Sometimes, it has to sting, and then it stays.”
Christian Horner recently stated that if Verstappen went to Mercedes, he would try to recruit George Russell, but Wolff shrugged off these comments: “I think he’s just stirring the pot as usual; it’s part of the game. George is a Mercedes driver, always has been, and I hope always will be. We have a long-term contract with him.”
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New Talent Rises: Mercedes Signs Antonelli After Hamilton New Talent Rises: Mercedes Signs Antonelli After Hamilton
