Kimi Antonelli is being touted as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton (Image: Getty)
Kimi Antonelli has made it clear that he is chomping at the bit to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Reports this week are suggesting that the Italian teenager will be confirmed as a Silver Arrows driver at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The 17-year-old has been intermittently linked with the second Mercedes seat throughout his rookie Formula Two campaign, but with Max Verstappen now seemingly unattainable, Toto Wolff has made Antonelli his No.1 priority.
Discussing the prospect of becoming an F1 driver with Autosport, Antonelli explained: “Some degree of worry I think is always there, the prospect of not being able to perform I think frightens everyone. My approach is to see it as a great opportunity to learn, grow and also enjoy the moment.
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“I’m not afraid of being judged, I know Mercedes has a clear opinion about my potential, already this season in F2 the championship didn’t kick off in the best way but there were no negative thoughts.
“I am quite calm, if the opportunity presented itself to me I would take it with eagerness and try to make the most of it. Recently there has been some pressure on me with all the rumours about next year, but I have always tried to enjoy it. I’m enjoying the opportunities I have.”
Kimi Antonelli has the complete support of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff (Image: Getty)
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For now, however, Antonelli is focused on his F2 campaign. When the Italian was announced as one-half of the Prema Racing line-up at the start of the year alongside the Ferrari-backed starlet Oliver Bearman, the expectation was that the pair would duke it out for the title.
This, however, has not been the case, and Prema Racing have been struggling significantly with the new era of F2 machines. Despite this, Antonelli has found time to shine. He leads Bearman 87-34 in the intra-team battle and has two wins to his name this season.
“I’m very happy to be considered, but I’m not asking for anything,” Antonelli continued. “At the moment my goal is to do well in Formula Two, then we’ll see.
“I still see it as a dream. Yes, I did happen to think about it, but it is a passing thought. In all honesty, I can tell you that for me today it is still a dream. We’ll see if it comes true.”
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