It’s not surprising that comparisons between new Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli and four-time world champion Max Verstappen are already being made.
Becoming a Formula 1 is unbelievably difficult but to do so while still being a teenager is even rarer, with Kimi Antonelli set to become the third-youngest driver in the sport’s history when he makes his debut at the Australian Grand Prix.
Only Red Bull star Max Verstappen and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll made their debut at a younger age, with the Dutchman the only 17-year-old ever to appear on the grid.
There are still a host of records that Antonelli could break during his first few races with Mercedes.
He will have a handful of opportunities to become F1’s youngest winner although Toto Wolff isn’t expecting miracles from Antonelli in Australia as it would be a real surprise if he matched Verstappen’s achievement of winning on his debut for Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Both drivers have advanced through their junior careers extremely quickly, skipping steps along the way.
Nyck de Vries was speaking on IDREAU’s podcast and having been part of the Mercedes driver line-up at one point, admitted he was aware of Antonelli from a young age.
He explained why he’s already such a fan of the Italian and the obvious similarity he’s seen between Antonelli and Verstappen.
Nyck de Vries explains why Andrea Kimi Antonelli already reminds him of Max Verstappen
De Vries was asked about Antonelli and said: “I love him! I’ve been following him since he was in karting because he raced for Dino Chiesa like myself.
“I have pictures on my phone of when I joined Mercedes in Formula E I went to watch some races at Lonato and we have pictures together.
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“I always looked young but he was 10 at the time! I think he is a great kid, he is very talented, he lives and breathes racing.
“Honestly, apart from Max, I don’t know anyone who lives racing as much as he does.
“His father obviously has a team in GB3 and Formula 4, since he was born that was what he was going to do.”
Nyck de Vries makes Kimi Antonelli prediction ahead of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes
De Vries was then asked if Antonelli has a big seat to fill replacing Lewis Hamiton at Mercedes this year and continued: “He’s just got to be himself, I don’t think there is a bigger pressure because Lewis is leaving.
“First of all, it’s Lewis’ decision, Lewis left himself, so there was a seat open. He was in the system, he performed extremely well through everything he has done in karting, single seaters, etc.
“So, he deserved his opportunity and George is obviously there for quite a while, so he definitely knows what he’s doing, he just needs to give himself the time to get up to speed and learn.”
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Antonelli has admitted he’s not trying to think about replacing Hamilton but away from the seven-time world champion’s Ferrari debut next month, the 18-year-old will be one of the biggest talking points in the sport.
To be handed a potentially race-winning car at such a young age is almost unheard of, but if he’s going to take inspiration from any driver on the grid, then Verstappen – rather than Hamilton – might be the best place for him to look.
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