P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Helmut Marko critical of Mercedes for creating needless Kimi Antonelli “hype”
Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko criticized Mercedes for building excessive hype around Kimi Antonelli prior to his F1 debut season, accelerated by Lewis Hamilton’s departure. Antonelli, debuting at 18, missed the chance to break Max Verstappen’s youngest winner record and had a lackluster first season with Mercedes, despite a podium at the Canadian Grand Prix. Racing alongside George Russell, Antonelli struggled, contrasting the high expectations for his ‘generational talent.’ Marko pointed out Mercedes’ lack of a junior team as a hindrance for Antonelli’s development, advocating for time for the young driver to regain confidence and form. The shift in Mercedes’ performance trajectory, paired with Antonelli’s learning curve and psychological hurdles, underscores the challenges he faces without the support of a junior team like Racing Bulls.
