Mercedes eye Kimi Antonelli promotion to avert Max Verstappen repeat
- Planet Sport writer
- 17 August 2024
In a bid to avoid a repeat of the 2014 debacle when Mercedes missed out on Max Verstappen, team principal Toto Wolff is keen to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The move comes as Wolff aims to secure what many believe is the next big talent in Formula 1.
Wolff had tried to sign Verstappen before he joined Red Bull, but ultimately lost out to the Milton Keynes-based team. Since then, Verstappen has become one of the most dominant forces in Formula 1, accumulating 51 wins since March 2021.
This history has made Wolff more determined than ever to ensure no future prodigy slips through Mercedes' fingers.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, often touted as the greatest talent since Verstappen, could soon fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton.
Should Antonelli be promoted, he would make his F1 debut at just 18 years old, the same age Verstappen was when he won his first race at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Alex Jacques, an F1 commentator, highlighted Wolff's conviction in promoting Antonelli. "One man who is certain about Antonelli's early F1 promotion is Toto Wolff," Jacques wrote on the official F1 website.
"The CEO and Team Principal of Mercedes not only believes in the young Italian's driving skills but sees him as a chance to redeem past mistakes."
The urgency to promote Antonelli is further underscored by past examples of talent poaching. Lando Norris, for instance, received offers from Red Bull despite his commitment to McLaren, while Oscar Piastri switched from Alpine to McLaren after concerns about Alpine's plans for him.
Mercedes have already begun testing Antonelli in previous F1 cars, including the 2021 and 2022 models.
This extensive testing programme, which mirrors the rigorous approach taken with Piastri in 2022, aims to ensure Antonelli is fully prepared for a potential F1 debut.
As the Formula 1 season resumes following the summer break, the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort on August 25 will be the next significant event, marking a pivotal moment in the championship race.
Wolff's determination to secure Antonelli reflects a broader strategy to prevent history from repeating itself and to solidify Mercedes' future in Formula 1.
