Mercedes’ young talent, Kimi Antonelli, hailed as the “finest driver in a Formula Three car since Max Verstappen,” is set to bypass Formula Three entirely, making a direct leap to Formula Two this season, where he will compete for Prema Racing.
Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok disclosed that insiders in motorsport are drawing parallels between the teenage sensation and Red Bull’s Verstappen.
Verstappen, a three-time world champion, entered Formula One at a mere 17 years old with Toro Rosso.
Following just 23 races, he ascended to Red Bull, displacing Daniil Kvyat, and clinched victory in his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest race winner in the sport’s annals at 18 years and 228 days.
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Chandhok shared on X (formerly Twitter): “From everything I hear of Antonelli, he’s pretty damn special. Spoke with the F3 engineers who ran him recently on a private test day.
Said he was the best driver in an F3 car since Verstappen! McLaren gamble with rookie Lewis in 2007 worked out.”
Antonelli’s potential is so profound that despite lacking experience in F2, let alone F1, he is being eyed as a contender to succeed the esteemed Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion will part ways with Mercedes at the conclusion of 2024 to join Ferrari.
Antonelli finds himself in contention for Hamilton’s spot alongside drivers like Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.
Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, affirmed his readiness to take a calculated risk in replacing the 39-year-old legend.
He remarked, “Change provides you with opportunity. I’m really looking forward to taking the right decisions for the team, together with my colleagues, over who’s going to be in the seat next year.
Maybe it’s a chance to do something bold.”
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Wolff emphasised the importance of Antonelli’s focus on F2, cautioning against premature speculation about his potential move to Formula One.
He stressed giving Antonelli space to shine in F2 and assured that no hasty decisions would be made.
Should Antonelli consistently demonstrate his prowess with Prema, he stands poised as a prime candidate to fill Hamilton’s shoes.