Andrea Kimi Antonelli has experienced a week filled with intense highs and lows. As Mercedes announced Antonelli’s promotion to a Formula 1 seat for the 2025 season, the young driver reflected on the emotional toll of the past weeks, including a challenging debut at Monza and a near-pole finish in Formula 2 qualifying.
In Azerbaijan, Antonelli narrowly missed winning his first pole position in Formula 2 by a margin of 0.017 seconds, placing him second in the feature race. Reflecting on his performance, Antonelli commented, as quoted by GP Blog:
“A bit disappointed. Second was good but of course P2 for such a small gap is always a bit frustrating but I think it was a good session.
“I managed to build up lap by lap and managed to secure a good lap on the second set of tyres which wasn’t easy because obviously the red flag came out pretty early on during the first push so it broke the rhythm a bit.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Andrea Kimi Antonelli opens up on mental toll after Mercedes announcement.
James Sutton/Getty Images
Antonelli faced another significant challenge during his Formula 1 debut for Mercedes in FP1 at Monza, where his session ended abruptly due to a crash. This incident compounded the difficulties of an already strenuous weekend, especially as it was also confirmed that he would replace seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next year.
“Monza was not a really nice weekend. On the mental side it was really hard. But it was a good relief to have the announcement finally official. It’s been two busy weeks because I’m already trying to work closely with Mercedes to understand and just to learn few things.
“I’m also going to do some track side [work] in the future just to see how a full race weekend works. It’s been a pretty intense two weeks, but now I feel much better on the mental side that the announcement is finally official.”
Commenting on his upcoming debut Formula 1 season with Mercedes, Antonelli explained:
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025.
“Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.
“I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for.
“He is super-fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track.”
