Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli says it’s not proper to view him as a substitute for Lewis Hamilton, given the seven-time world champion’s stature inside Method 1.
Antonelli will make his F1 debut this yr at simply 18 years outdated, partnering George Russell at Mercedes following Hamilton’s blockbuster transfer to Ferrari. Regardless of being signed to take the seat Hamilton has vacated, the Italian says he doesn’t view himself as a direct substitute as they’re each at opposing factors of their careers.
“I really feel like I’m only a new Mercedes driver,” Antonelli informed Sky Sports activities. “Saying that I’m changing Lewis Hamilton I don’t assume is de facto right as a result of he’s such an enormous determine within the sport and he has performed a lot. I really feel like I’m simply the subsequent Mercedes driver and actually need to make my method and obtain nice outcomes and achieve success.”
Antonelli has been fast-tracked into an F1 seat with Mercedes, having been racing in Method Regional simply two seasons in the past. Leaping as much as Method 2 final yr, Antonelli has performed vital testing of earlier automotive (TPC) working, and says he may have bold targets however is conscious how difficult his rookie yr could possibly be.
“It’s not going to be straightforward as a result of my first yr in F1, on the finish of the day I’m racing towards the 19 greatest drivers on the earth. And naturally the world of motorsport, F1 particularly, may be very brutal generally. However the factor is, I’m simply going to attempt to keep targeted on myself, attempt to work daily, weekend by weekend making an attempt to enhance myself.
“After all, the mindset goes to be the one in every of making an attempt to go on observe and win, after which we’ll see. I’ve good individuals round me that particularly in these moments, they actually attempt to assist me to disregard all of the exterior issues and at all times be targeted on the second.”
Antonelli will probably be one in every of six drivers making beginning their first full-time seasons in Method 1 in Melbourne this March, becoming a member of Liam Lawson, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto as new everlasting additions to the grid.
