Mercedes have cast a 'safety net' in case of Antonelli underperformance

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Mercedes' decision to bring Valtteri Bottas back to the team creates a 'safety net' in case Andrea Kimi Antonelli struggles in his debut season. The former Formula 1 driver compares Antonelli to Max Verstappen who also debuted young.

Antonelli will make his Grand Prix debut for Mercedes in 2025 where he will have George Russell as his teammate. The young Italian comes over from Formula 2 and will take over from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has left for Ferrari. 2025 will also see the return of Valtteri Bottas to Mercedes as their test and reserve driver following his departure from Sauber.

Team Principal Toto Wolff has already indicated that he does not expect miracles from Antonelli in his debut year, which should mainly be a learning year for the brand-new Mercedes driver.

"Kimi Antonelli is in the spotlight this year with one of the best teams, with a teammate who is doing great," Montoya said of Antonelli's switch in conversation with CasasDeApuestas.bet.

Montoya sees Mercedes taking a risk by bringing a talented yet inexperienced young driver to the top team. "He is being sold as the next Max Verstappen. If he does not perform well, it will be difficult. In my opinion, Mercedes wants to protect itself with Bottas. He is the safety net to have someone in case things don't work out with Antonelli, and he knows that."