Kimi Antonelli: Does Formula 1 rookie become the next Hamilton or is he flopped?

Kimi Antonelli: Does Formula 1 rookie become the next Hamilton or is he flopped?

Dschidda, Saudi-Arabien - The Formula 1 season 2025 is just around the corner, and the young Kimi Antonelli is in the spotlight. The only 19-year-old rookie is considered a potential new star in the renowned racing series, but expectations are sky high. Antonelli takes over the cockpit of the former champion Lewis Hamilton near Mercedes, which increases the pressure on him enormously. According to Derwesten Antonelli caused a sensation with an accident in September in September.

The criticism of former drivers is not spared Antonelli. Juan Pablo Montoya expresses concerns about his upcoming debut season and reports on rumors that Antonelli often had accidents in tests. Montoya warns of too high speeds and sees Antonelli without a chance in a duel against his team -mate George Russell. He recommends the young driver to approach the matter with a learning attitude and realistic goals.

criticism and support

The uncertainty about Antonelli's skills is reinforced by the news about Valtteri Bottas, which was hired as a reserve driver for Mercedes. Montoya sees this as a safety net for the team if Antonelli does not meet expectations. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledges that Antonelli's commitment is a risk, but is a worthwhile risk. Wolff emphasizes the talent and potential of Antonelli while pointing out that young drivers have to be encouraged, even if errors are allowed.

The challenges for Antonelli should not be underestimated. Not only does he have to prove himself in a competitive environment, but also fill out the footsteps of a driver like Hamilton. Antonelli, who has been part of the Mercedes youth program for 11 years and celebrated numerous successes in the European kart scene and Formula 4 until his F1 decision, is also burdened by high expectations. Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver, explains that the demands on rookies have increased enormously these days, since talents such as Hamilton and Verstappen achieved immediate successes.

The context of the rookies 2025

The 2025 season is remarkable because it has the largest number of rookies for years. A total of five new drivers enter the stage of Formula 1:

• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) -takes over Hamilton's cockpit and is considered a successor talent.
• Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 19 years old and former teammate of Antonelli in Formula 2.
• Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) -The latest in the Red Bull junior program with high expectations.
• Jack Doohan (Alpine) - son the motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, under pressure, in Formula 1.
• Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Audi) -brings its success in Formula 2 and is the first Brazilian full-time driver since Felipe Massa.

With a view to the competitive landscape and the challenges that lie on these young talents, fans of Formula 1 can be excited to see how the 2025 season will develop. Antonelli not only has to face the critical voices, but also against increasing expectations of the public and the pressure of his former rivals. It remains to be seen whether he is willing to master the hurdles.

For further insights into Antonelli's journey and the developments in Formula 1, such as the critical assessment of Motorsport.com , a look at the formula-1-welt.