As the Formula 1 world anticipates the departure of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, speculation has been rife about who will fill his shoes. One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the highly-rated 17-year-old Italian protege of the Silver Arrows. However, former world champion Nico Rosberg believes it’s premature for Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to make a decision about Antonelli’s promotion to Formula 1
The 2016 F1 World Champion said, “Antonelli is definitely a superstar of the future, but unfortunately the timing is really too early for him and especially too early for Toto to make a decision about Antonelli.”
Nico Rosberg urges Toto Wolff to be patient about moving Andrea Kimi Antonelli up to F1:
"Antonelli is definitely a superstar of the future, but unfortunately the timing is really too early for him and especially too early for Toto to make a decision about Antonelli."
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Rosberg emphasizes the need for patience, urging Mercedes to wait until later in the year to assess Antonelli’s performance in Formula 2. A strong season in the feeder series would bolster Antonelli’s case for a direct move to Mercedes. However, Rosberg also suggests an alternative path: “Otherwise, if anything, some time at Williams or a team like that would make sense.”
Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff’s Stance
Recent developments have added fuel to the speculation surrounding Antonelli. An unknown team lodged a request with the FIA for Antonelli to be granted a superlicence before he turns 18 in August. This move prompted rumors that Mercedes might fast-track Antonelli into an F1 seat with customer team Williams, possibly as early as the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. However, Williams team principal James Vowles denied any imminent replacement for Logan Sargeant.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been cautious about Antonelli’s promotion. He insists that Mercedes did not request special dispensation for the young Italian. “We haven’t asked for the dispensation,” Wolff clarified. “I think Kimi needs to concentrate on his F2 campaign and the testing he does with us; that’s the most important. The testing was good, but early days—there’s no real comparison.”
While the motorsport community eagerly awaits the next chapter in Lewis Hamilton’s career, Nico Rosberg’s advice resonates: patience is key. Andrea Kimi Antonelli may be destined for greatness, but for now, he must focus on proving himself in Formula 2. Whether he ultimately dons the Silver Arrows or takes a detour through another team, time will tell.
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