Max Verstappen has publicly backed the young Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli following a difficult weekend at the Italian Grand Prix. The 18-year-old Italian rookie struggled during the race at Monza, drawing criticism from Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, who described Antonelli’s performance as “underwhelming.” Verstappen’s comments highlighted the importance of patience and understanding in a rookie’s first season at the top level of Formula 1.
Antonelli’s home race proved challenging as he encountered problems early on, spinning during the second practice session on Friday. His race on Sunday saw him drop from his sixth starting position to tenth within a few laps. He was later given a black-and-white warning flag for repeated track limit infringements and a five-second penalty for forcing Williams driver Alex Albon off the track during a battle for position. Ultimately, Antonelli crossed the finish line in ninth place.
Verstappen Sees Early Signs of Talent in Antonelli Despite Setbacks
While Verstappen enjoyed a dominant weekend himself, converting pole position into victory at Monza, he recognized the struggles facing his young rival. The Dutch driver drew comparisons between Antonelli’s current challenges and his own early days in Formula 1 when he debuted at just 17 years old with Toro Rosso in 2015.
“Is he going through a difficult period? Yes, that’s true. But I think what’s happening now is completely normal. The problem is that some people might be making more of it than necessary. Making mistakes in your first season is just part of it.
Honestly, that’s what I like about him: he doesn’t take things lightly, he always gives his all. That reminds me a bit of myself,” Verstappen said via RN365.
Despite Wolff’s repeated use of the term “underwhelming” to describe Antonelli’s weekend performance, Verstappen emphasized understanding the rookie’s need to develop and grow through these early experiences.
Calls for Patience as Antonelli Adjusts to Top-Level F1 Competition
Verstappen stresses that patience from both Mercedes and Antonelli is crucial as the young driver settles into his new role, especially given the immense pressure he faces replacing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at a team currently grappling with competitive challenges in a complex technical era.
He acknowledged the immense talent Antonelli brings but noted that immediate success is not guaranteed, particularly when stepping straight into a top team without having to prove oneself first in midfield.
“Of course, he could do better, but I know how talented he is. You can see that straight away. He just needs some patience, and I think everyone needs that,” Verstappen said.
“It’s not easy to start straight away at a top team. Especially not when you’re not competing for many victories yet. When you get into a winning car, you automatically feel a bit more comfortable. But I’m not worried, he’ll be fine. He just needs a bit more time,” Verstappen added.
Promising Rookie Season Despite Challenges
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already achieved a notable feat in his debut season by earning a podium finish, something Verstappen did not accomplish in his own rookie year. The circumstances differ greatly: Verstappen entered Formula 1 with a midfield team, Toro Rosso, whereas Antonelli joined Mercedes, a team that still contends for strong finishes despite recent difficulties.
This early success, combined with Verstappen’s endorsement and Wolff’s expressed confidence in Antonelli’s long-term potential, suggests that the young driver’s trajectory remains positive. While the path ahead involves learning and overcoming hurdles, the support from established competitors like Verstappen adds valuable encouragement for the promising rookie as he gains experience.
