Andrea Kimi Antonelli is increasingly criticized after his mistake in Zandvoort. The only 18-year-old Italian is considered one of the greatest talents in his generation, but there were numerous setbacks in his first season. And so the voices are increasing that believe that Toto Wolff brought the Italian into Formula 1 too early.
Ralf Schumacher sees the high expectations as a mortgage for the newcomer and therefore warns patience. “The problem is of course: Kimi Antonelli was hyped right from the start, he was the new superstar before he even drove in Formula 1,” says the Formula 1 expert in the Podcast Backstage pit lane.
“The expectations are huge, and if a team like Mercedes clearly says that he is our future, the pressure is correspondingly high.”
Antonelli is a “systematic learner” and not one who is going on with the crowbar. Nevertheless, he needs time to find his way around Formula 1. “He is not like Max Verstappen or Oscar Piatri, who immediately performed,” emphasizes Schumacher.
Even a Piatri took two years despite 16,000 test kilometers to get at eye level with Lando Norris. “Kimi is the future – if he gets time,” he clarifies.
One point that Schumacher emphasizes: The environment is much more difficult today: “Who can still come in without tests today and can immediately assert themselves? We are now talking about tenths. Even a Lewis Hamilton was recently out in qualifying because he was missing a tenth.”
Antonelli’s slip in the gravel bed on Friday Schumacher rates as a tuition. On the other hand, it is positive how self-critical the Italian appears and that after an incident he immediately apologized to Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. “He has the heart in the right place,” said Schumacher.
Verstappen: Such mistakes are normal
Verstappen himself also comments on Antonelli’s difficult initial phase and strikes an encouraging tone. “To be honest, I find it normal what he is going through,” says the four -time world champion. “Some may make more of it than necessary. Mistakes in the first season are part of it.”
The reigning world champion was not a child of sadness even at the beginning of his career and was repeatedly criticized because of dangerous driving maneuvers. Accidents due to impetuous maneuvers were also part of his apprenticeship year.
Verstappen particularly appreciates Antonelli’s will to work: “He always gives everything, it reminds me a bit of myself. Of course it can be better, but I know how talented he is. He just needs a little patience – and the people around him too.”
In addition, Mercedes is currently not driving for victories. “If you start in a car that wins immediately, you feel much more comfortable. This is not the case with Mercedes at the moment. That makes it even more difficult for him,” explains Verstappen. “But he will make his way.”