F1 News
Rosberg understands 'bold' Mercedes Antonelli move: "The potential this guy has"
Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his F1 debut in 2025 driving a Mercedes car. It's difficult to find other drivers who've driven their first meters in the pinnacle of motorsport in a top car, with the man the Italian driver will replace being the other notable example, Lewis Hamilton. A 'bold' move by Mercedes, according to Nico Rosberg, who, although shows confidence in the German team's management of the situation also highlights the importance of mentorship in the early stages of a young driver's career.
Is Wolff's decision to put Antonelli in the car the right one?
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal and CEO, has indeed put measures in place. While on the one hand he commends Antonelli for his, in the Austrian's view, remarkable talent, Wolff also downplays expectations on the Italian's first year in F1 opening the door for the mistakes that will surely come in Antonelli's rookie year. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nico Rosberg understand's Wolff's 'bold' move saying: "You can't ignore the potential this guy [Antonelli] has."
And indeed Rosberg would know, since the German knows the Italian very well. "He was racing in my Karting Academy in 2019 and I saw already at that age what kind of impressive talent he was," Rosberg added, whilst at the same time trusting Mercedes' handling of the situation and the rookie mistakes that will most surely come.
"He will certainly make mistakes in 2025, but I know Mercedes will support him well. He has a bright future ahead of him and I'm excited to see how he adapts to F1."
Will F1's ruthlessness be a factor for rookies during the 2025 season?
However, driving in F1 is a high pressure feat all on its own, making one's debut for a top team like Mercedes, next to a talent the likes of Goerge Russell, certainly does not make things any easier, rendering the need for mentorship particularly important. In that regard, Rosberg can't but agree.
"It is fundamental. The early seasons are full of challenges, and having someone experienced to guide you can really make a difference," said Rosberg, later citing the need for a "strong support system," especially since "F1 can be ruthless and, after a few bad performances, things can change quickly for them," concluded the former Mercedes driver.
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