P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kimi Antonelli will be the first Mercedes rookie driver since Karl Kling in 1954.
Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian driver, believes he is prepared to compete in Formula 1 despite the challenging task ahead with Mercedes. He has been selected to replace the departing Lewis Hamilton and is set to debut alongside George Russell, both being rookies who haven’t raced a grand prix before. Antonelli has undergone extensive testing with Mercedes, including adapting to ground-effects cars, to prepare for the 2025 season. Despite comparisons to Max Verstappen, Antonelli remains grounded and focused on gradual improvement, acknowledging the tough competition in F1. He aims to stay dedicated, learn from his team, and carve out his own path towards success as the newest Mercedes driver.
