Lewis Hamilton is not surprised that Mercedes is giving Andrea Kimi Antonelli a FP1 chance in F1 Italian GP, as he has long said that the youngster should replace him.
Having ruled out any chance of driving with Williams for rest of the 2024 F1 season, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff confirmed that F2 race Antonelli will get his first FP1 run in this weekend’s F1 Italian GP at his home event in Monza.
He would replace George Russell in the car which is part of Antonelli’s programme to be ready for a F1 drive in 2025. The Italian was fast-tracked to F2 after his Formula Regional exploits and even though he hasn’t had a dominant run, it is impressive still.
He has picked up wins and is inside the Top 10. Mercedes has laid down an extensive test programme which has seemingly convinced them to take him onboard for 2025. Hamilton has been the leading voice in favour of Antonelli replacing him.
Despite his young age, Hamilton believes Antonelli is a solid driver and Mercedes will reap benefits going forward. “I mean, I said a long time ago that I think that’s who the team should choose moving forwards,” said the F1 champion to media. “And time will tell what they end up deciding to do.
“No, he’s one of those young, super-talented kids that’s come through. I mean, he’s a young adult now. But, yeah, he’s only 18. So, I think it’d be good for people just to remember he is just turning 18, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him. And yeah, I’m really excited to see and watch his progress.
“I saw a picture earlier on of us, back in, I think, 2018, and he was one of the grid kids! And I’m like shaking his hand at the front of the grid! So it obviously reminds you how old you are when you have those experiences. But yeah, looking forward to seeing his growth and his journey through into Formula 1.”
Asked to elaborate as to why he thinks Antonelli is the guy, Hamilton recalled his moment with McLaren when they took the risk to put him in the car early in his career which helped him to be the driver he is now. “We’ve been watching him through the through the different formulas and naturally he’s a Mercedes driver,” he said.
“I just think we are starting to see a lot younger drivers coming through and I think we’re just in that time, where there’s only 20 seats and I think it’s time. We’re starting to see this new wave come through. In terms of taking on a another driver that’s had many, many years of experience as opposed to giving an opportunity to a youngster.
“That’s what McLaren did for me and it worked out well. In my opinion, it’s just an opportunity for him to grow. He’s going to get to work… He would get to work with the best in class, learn from people that I’ve worked with for so many, many years. But it is a lot of weight on someone’s shoulders.
“But as I said, it’s a great environment that I think they would just be able to nurture him and carry him through it. But there are other really good options. So you’d have to ask Toto which one he’s leaning towards,” summed up Hamilton.
Russell, meanwhile, is pleased to see Antonelli get the FP1 drive as well. He has no doubts about the Italian’s capabilities and only time spent in the car will help him going forward. “I see him every time he’s racing F2,” he said to media. “We always keep a close eye on how he’s getting on, watching all of the races.
“We did a test together in Silverstone a couple of months ago, so that was a great opportunity for him to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. He was exceptionally fast, so I’m sure if he were to get a drive in Formula 1, I’m sure he’d do a great job. I think whoever’s going to be my team-mate next year, of course, we’ll welcome them.
“And excited for the challenge together. Kimi’s an exceptional driver, such an amazing track record. in his junior series, always destined to be a Formula 1 driver. And if it were to be him, I think it sort of shows the strength also of the Mercedes junior program. Reminds me a bit of my journey, starting off as a young kid, walking through the doors in Formula 3 and climbing the ladder. And it would be a great story for the team, but who knows?”
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