P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Mercedes team principal has been left equally elated and frustrated by what he has seen from Kimi Antonelli in his debut year.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has clarified that giving Kimi Antonelli “a year of learning” would lead to the rollercoaster campaign the young driver is currently navigating in F1.
After stepping in as the replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli began well by earning solid points in five of his first six races.
However, in the European season, the 19-year-old faced difficulties, only gaining one point in eight races, with a remarkable podium finish in Canada being the highlight.
During the Dutch Grand Prix, Antonelli faced a tough race, receiving penalties for colliding with Charles Leclerc and committing a pit-lane speeding violation.
Wolff acknowledged the anticipated highs and lows of Antonelli’s learning year in F1, recognizing that moments of brilliance would be mixed with challenging situations.
Each race presents a learning opportunity for Antonelli, as Mercedes prioritizes gaining experience over immediate championship success.
