In a surprising twist, Valtteri Bottas, after learning about his non-renewal with Sauber post-2024, found a new role at Mercedes as a reserve driver. His significant task includes mentoring the promising young driver, Kimi Antonelli. At just 18 years old, Antonelli has managed an impressive start to his F1 career, consistently finishing in points except for Bahrain where he landed at P11. Currently ranked sixth, he notably stands ahead of his predecessor, Lewis Hamilton, who seems to be struggling at Ferrari.
Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, has highlighted Bottas’s influential role in Antonelli’s progress. Wolff spoke on Sky Sports about Bottas’s contribution, remarking on his past achievements with Mercedes and how he’s currently guiding Antonelli’s development. “Valtteri is a contributor clearly, especially on those smooth tarmacs, he was a superstar back at Mercedes,” Wolff stated. “And he is coaching him (Antonelli), Kimi is listening.”
The interactions between Bottas and Antonelli appear to be yielding substantial results. Bottas is keen on imparting his understanding, particularly about tire management during select phases of the race, a factor often pivotal in F1. “Kimi is open-minded. They talk about how to handle the tires, how to bring them in,” said Wolff. “And Valtteri seems to enjoy himself, whilst, of course, seeking another race, another opportunity, but we love him, he’s doing the sim work.”
Looking ahead, Bottas remains an integral component of the Mercedes strategy, contributing to the development of the car for the upcoming season amidst regulatory changes. Wolff confirmed, “He’s putting in the hours, he’s developing next year’s car.” This proactive involvement underscores Bottas’s ambition to return as a primary driver, with the additional intrigue of new teams, such as Cadillac, entering the F1 roster.
The impact of Bottas’s mentorship on Antonelli has been visible through consistent, strong performances, carving out an impressive reputation in the F1 landscape. Observers note that Antonelli’s progress reflects not just individual talent but also the effective support and guidance from Bottas, a veteran who still harbors aspirations of returning to the forefront of competitive racing.
This blend of youthful talent and seasoned guidance could spell an exciting future for both Antonelli and Mercedes. As the team braces for the forthcoming season’s challenges, eager to reclaim their dominant position, Antonelli’s rise under Bottas’s mentorship is a storyline that will captivate F1 audiences keenly awaiting the next evolution of the sport.
