With great power comes great responsibility, and Kimi Antonelli is well aware of this. The young Italian was announced as a Mercedes driver during the Monza GP, filling the seat left vacant by Lewis Hamilton next year.
For Kimi Antonelli, it is an honor, but he also feels a lot of pressure surrounding him. In an interview with Formula 1, the Prema driver explained that he is conscious of it: “I think one of the main factors in managing all of this is having a team like Mercedes that believes in you.”
“They’ve believed in me since I was little,” Kimi Antonelli explained. “They really help you handle the pressure very well. Even though I can’t do it perfectly yet. I still receive support from Mercedes, as well as from my family. I’m really happy to be part of their team.” – he pointed out.
It’s not just Formula 1 putting pressure on the young driver, but also – and especially – Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Antonelli will inherit his seat at Mercedes, while the seven-time Formula One world champion embarks on a new adventure with Scuderia Ferrari next year.
“I don’t think it’s possible to replace Lewis Hamilton,” the Italian said when asked how he felt about it. He’s such a huge figure in the sport today. He’s achieved so many milestones in his career. I don’t want to be seen as his replacement,” he admitted openly. “I’m just the new Mercedes driver in 2025, and I’m really excited about it. [Lewis] is a really great person who has supported me, so I’m really happy.” – the Italian racing driver concluded.
Leave a Reply