Should Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli have been placed in a top team seat right away? The Italian driver achieved his first podium finish in Canada, but his debut season has not been particularly noteworthy so far. According to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, Mercedes would have been better off placing Kimi Antonelli in a midfield team. However, the Italian driver is pleased to start his F1 career with the Silver Arrows.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is not only in his debut year in Formula 1, but also his first season with the Silver Arrows. The young Italian replaced Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari, but has not yet achieved the same success as the Brit in his debut year. For instance, Kimi Antonelli has ended up off the track several times and has already failed to finish four Grand Prix this season.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes that Mercedes is putting too much pressure on the young rookie’s shoulders. “Our own young drivers first drive for Racing Bulls before they are exposed to the pressure of Formula 1,” the Austrian told Motorsport Week. Kimi Antonelli himself also admits that it is ‘not always easy’ to start his Formula 1 career with a top team, but he wouldn’t trade his seat for anything.
‘Glad to start with Mercedes’
“Racing for Mercedes is a huge honor,” the Italian says in Zandvoort. “Of course, you have to perform. This sometimes puts pressure on you, but I am very happy to start my career with Mercedes. I had some tough times, but the team has always supported me a lot. This season is mainly meant to learn a lot. Of course, I also want to win, but at the same time, it is important to focus on next year.” The new technical regulations in Formula 1 will come into effect in 2026.
