Max Verstappen praises Antonelli as a promising rookie facing a tough start to his Formula 1 career with Mercedes in 2024. Throughout a difficult season marked by setbacks and a struggling W16 car, Verstappen has publicly supported the young Italian driver’s resilience and potential.
Kimi Antonelli, currently the top rookie in the Drivers’ Championship, trails his more experienced Mercedes teammate George Russell by 128 points. This significant deficit illustrates the steep learning curve facing the 19-year-old as he adjusts to F1’s intensity. Nonetheless, Antonelli achieved a milestone by securing his first F1 podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, a rare bright spot amid ongoing difficulties.
Setbacks and Growth Mark Antonelli’s Challenging Debut Campaign
Antonelli’s rookie season has been punctuated by costly errors that have impacted both his individual standings and Mercedes’ position in the Constructors’ Championship. Notably, Verstappen himself was affected by one of Antonelli’s mistakes; an early lock-up at the Austrian Grand Prix led to Verstappen’s first-lap exit. Despite such incidents, Verstappen remains supportive, emphasizing the inevitability of mistakes for a first-year driver.
Making mistakes in your first season in F1 is part of the equation.
Max Verstappen, F1 World Champion
Verstappen admires the tenacity with which Antonelli approaches his rookie year, applauding his relentless effort:
What I like most about him is that he doesn’t take it easy. He always gives it his all, and I see myself in him.
He acknowledges Antonelli’s raw talent while stressing the need for patience given the current state of the Mercedes team.
He just needs a little patience, like everyone else,
Verstappen explained.
It’s not easy starting with a top team that isn’t consistently fighting for wins. He’ll be fine; he just needs a little time.
Team Support and Mentorship Amid High Expectations
The pressure placed on Antonelli by Mercedes’ leadership is significant, with team principal Toto Wolff expressing dissatisfaction following a mistake-ridden race at Zandvoort. Despite this, teammate George Russell has encouraged Antonelli to evaluate his season holistically rather than focus narrowly on his errors.
As a young driver, you’ve got to look at it objectively,
Russell said, pointing out that Antonelli has shown clear progress since the season began.
Russell highlighted improvements in qualifying performance as evidence of Antonelli’s growth, comparing the Canadian and Spa Grands Prix:
In Canada, when we were on pole, he was in fourth place over half a second behind. In Spa, he was only three-tenths behind me.
These slim margins reflect the intense competition and fine lines between success and failure in F1 racing.
Mercedes remains committed to supporting Antonelli, ensuring he does not become disheartened by setbacks. Russell stressed the importance of maintaining perspective, explaining,
The team has made it very clear he shouldn’t worry about those results; he’s still doing a very good job considering his experience.
He also acknowledged the difficulties posed by the car’s current performance levels:
It’s never easy when the car is not performing as you expect.
The Road Ahead for a Young Talent in a Demanding Arena
As Antonelli continues navigating the competitive and unforgiving world of Formula 1, the encouragement from champions like Verstappen and seasoned teammates such as Russell offers crucial support. While his initial season has been turbulent, these endorsements suggest a foundation for growth and eventual success. The broader F1 community will closely monitor Antonelli’s journey to see if he can convert early trials into a strong, lasting career at Mercedes and in the sport.
