F1 News
This is what the McLaren drivers think of Mercedes newcomer Antonelli
- Jeroen Immink
Last weekend, it was announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will drive alongside George Russell at Mercedes in 2025. The Italian thus fills giant shoes, as he replaces Lewis Hamilton, who will leave for Ferrari. Meanwhile, many people have already given their opinions on Antonelli, including McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Piastri: 'Antonelli will be a great competitor'
"He seemed very quick yesterday in FP1. Obviously, his session didn't last that long, but the laps he did seemed very competitive. You know, he's been very competitive in the junior categories as well. I know it's been a bit of a tougher year for him in F2, but I think it's been a tough year by Prema’s standard," revealed Piastri, who also assumes Antonelli will be quick in Formula 1 straight away.
"I think he will definitely be competitive. Obviously he's very young um but Mercedes have clearly put him into you know a race-winning car for a reason and I'm sure he'll be a yeah a great competitor next year," Piastri added.
Norris less enthusiastic about Antonelli's arrival in Formula 1
Norris seems less concerned about Antonelli's arrival. "He's going to be in Formula 1 because he's probably good enough to be there, and Toto sees a lot in him. So he's proven himself a lot in the junior categories and coming up through," said Norris, who has followed roughly the same path, moving up from Formula 2 quickly to Formula 1.
"I think it's a big jump to go from F4 to F2. Yes, it's a big jump, so it's not probably been easy on him, but to go from F2 and then straight to F1, it's a lot. So I'm sure it will be a steep learning curve for him, steeper than probably what most of us have ever had, which always comes with pressure and things like that. So as long as he copes with that well, I'm sure, you know, learning from one of the best here as his teammate, then I'm sure he'll be up to speed in no time," concluded the Briton.
This article has been created in collaboration with Jenny Garnett.
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