P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Will Mercedes’ nurturing of Kimi Antonelli pay off when he makes the F1 grade?
Mercedes has been warned about the risk of promoting Kimi Antonelli, but their investment in the young talent may lead to his anticipated F1 promotion. Antonelli, nurtured by Mercedes, is generating buzz as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next year. Despite his doubts about readiness, the 17-year-old’s F2 rookie year is gaining traction after initial struggles with Prema Racing. Guenther Steiner, experienced in working with inexperienced drivers, acknowledges the challenges, contrasting his approach with that of top teams like Mercedes. Steiner emphasizes that beyond driving skills, a driver’s personality and ability to handle pressure are crucial in F1. While promoting Antonelli carries risks, the guidance and support provided by top teams like Mercedes can help mitigate potential pitfalls for young drivers.
