Max Verstappen and George Russell Weigh In: Could This Teenage Prodigy Be F1's Next Big Thing
Max Verstappen has shared invaluable advice for Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes junior driver who might soon make the leap from Formula 2 to the peak of motorsport: Formula 1. Antonelli, a standout talent who bypassed F3, has stirred up quite the conversation in the paddocks.
Who is Andrea Kimi Antonelli – and why is he such a hot topic in the Miami paddock?
Antonelli’s fast-track ascension through the motorsport ranks has fueled speculation, with many believing the 17-year-old could land an F1 seat even before turning 18 this August. During the Miami Grand Prix, rumors emerged about the FIA receiving a special request that could allow Antonelli to race in F1 this season. While Williams Team Principal James Vowles dispelled immediate debut rumors, Verstappen, who entered F1 as a teenager himself, offered a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that await the young driver.
F2 racer Antonelli ‘excited for what’s coming’ after making ‘incredible’ F1 test debut with Mercedes
Verstappen’s Pearl of Wisdom
Asked about his own experience racing in F1 as a 17-year-old, Verstappen noted, “You’re such a rookie that there are so many things you still have to learn.”He emphasized that the transition from lower racing categories involves steep learning curves, particularly with the intricacies of F1 races like tire management and race strategies.
Reflecting on his early years, Verstappen said, “In F3 at the time you did 35-minute races, so there’s a lot more involved [in F1]. These tyres are so particular and sensitive compared to some other categories.” The Red Bull star stressed that young drivers need to embrace making mistakes as a crucial part of their learning curve. “Make mistakes – you have to make mistakes. Ideally you like to make those mistakes when you’re not fighting for championships or whatever.”
Learning on the Job
Verstappen acknowledged that his debut at Toro Rosso allowed him to make “silly mistakes” out of the glaring spotlight, which helped him smooth out the edges of his racecraft without intense scrutiny. “When you are with one particular team, you know more or less what works or not,” Verstappen remarked, emphasizing the advantage of stability and gradual growth within a team setup.
Continuing with the same engineers and team personnel enhances understanding and synergy, aiding a driver’s overall development. “When you’re that young, just focus on trying to go as fast as you can, make your mistakes, have good race results,” Verstappen advised. “Ease into it, have good people around you in the team that will coach you.”
Russell’s Take on the Teenage Talent
Meanwhile, George Russell commented on Antonelli’s impressive rise and the possibility of the Italian joining Mercedes. “I think Kimi is a fantastic driver, obviously racing in Formula 2 this year but he’s no doubt going to be a Formula 1 driver in the future,” Russell affirmed.
Russell, who like Antonelli was a junior driver with Mercedes, sees the potential for a promising future for both the young talent and the team. “He’s a fellow junior driver as well, [he’s] come through the ranks as I did with the team, so I think it makes for a great opportunity for Mercedes building into the future,” Russell noted.
While he humorously acknowledged his current teammate situation, Russell wasn’t coy about welcoming a new colleague: “As I said before, I’d welcome anybody as my team mate. I feel like I’ve got a pretty good team mate right now.”
The Road Ahead
As anticipation grows around Antonelli’s potential F1 debut, drivers like Verstappen and Russell lend invaluable insights. Their collective experience underscores the challenges and opportunities awaiting any young driver attempting to break into the world of Formula 1. For Antonelli, the journey ahead is likely to be a mix of thrilling highs and educational lows, but with the right mindset and a supportive team, he could very well become the sport’s next big sensation.
Williams talking to ‘four or five drivers’ as Vowles offers his take on Antonelli