Former Haas Team Principal Günther Steiner has shared his belief that Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s unexpected debut in Formula 1 during the 2025 season was not part of Mercedes’ original strategy, and was instead a result of Lewis Hamilton’s surprise departure from the team.
The latest Formula 1 driver market has witnessed several major changes, the most significant of which was Lewis Hamilton’s move from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team to Scuderia Ferrari. At the same time, the current 2025 season has seen the debut of several young and promising drivers, including Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto. However, the spotlight has been on 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the only Italian driver on the grid this year, who stepped up to replace the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Despite his youth, Kimi Antonelli has already shown glimpses of his potential. He claimed a sensational podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix and secured a pole position during the Sprint qualifying session in Miami. However, his recent form has sparked some concern, particularly from figures such as Günther Steiner, who now works as a commentator and pundit.
A different plan was originally in place
Speaking on the podcast The Red Flags, Steiner expressed doubts about the timing of Antonelli’s F1 debut. The former Haas boss is convinced that Mercedes had initially intended to give the young Italian driver another year of development in Formula 2 before considering a Formula 1 promotion in 2026. According to Steiner, that plan changed only after Hamilton’s shock announcement that he would be leaving the team at the end of the 2024 season.
“I don’t believe there was ever a proper plan to put Antonelli in the Formula 1 car this year,” Steiner explained. “Everything changed when Lewis Hamilton said, ‘Goodbye, I’m going to Ferrari.’ I think at that point, Mercedes had to adjust. From my perspective, the original intention for Kimi was to give him one more full season in Formula 2 and then potentially bring him to F1 the following year. In my opinion, this step came a little too early for him.”
The pressure may be too much too soon
Although Steiner emphasized that he is not questioning Antonelli’s raw talent or long-term potential, he pointed out that the intense pressure of being placed in a top-tier Formula 1 team at such a young age could be counterproductive. Antonelli, who drives the car number 12, is now facing immense expectations from fans and team management alike.
“He’s only 18 years old,” Steiner continued. “Yes, he’s already taken a pole position and finished on the podium, but beyond those moments, he’s performing more or less on an average level. And frankly, I think he’s doing the best he can under the circumstances—especially considering what his teammate is achieving. But when you start crying, it’s a sign that you’re losing confidence, and that’s never a good thing.”
Steiner reiterated that only time will reveal just how talented Antonelli truly is, but for now, the environment might be overwhelming. “I think he’s a good driver. How good? We’ll have to wait and see. But there’s no doubt he’s facing tremendous pressure. Look at Liam Lawson, for example—he struggled when he was placed in the Red Bull car, but after returning to the Racing Bulls, he has been performing much better. When young drivers are put into a top car too early, the psychological pressure can be too much to handle.”
In conclusion, Steiner made it clear that Antonelli’s F1 entry—while promising—may have been driven more by circumstance than long-term planning. His message underscores the importance of timing and preparation when developing young talent in the highly demanding world of Formula 1.
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