AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Mercedes Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli Takes Over from Hamilton with One Key Piece of Advice: ‘Enjoy the Process’

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 19, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Young Guns Take the Stage: Andrea Kimi Antonelli Joins Hamilton’s Mercedes for Mexico GP Practice

Oct 20, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli walks through the track entrance before the 2024 Formula One US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is stepping into the spotlight in Formula 1, filling the massive shoes left by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, the young rookie is taking Hamilton’s advice to heart, focusing on the journey rather than the pressure of replacing a seven-time world champion.

The Guidance from Hamilton: Stay Calm, Focus on Yourself

As the highly anticipated F1 75 LIVE event kicked off in London, Antonelli opened up about the wisdom he received from Hamilton before the Briton’s move to Ferrari. “He said mainly to enjoy, not worrying about the external circumstances. Just work on yourself, enjoy the process,” Antonelli shared, echoing a sentiment that is rare in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.

This advice comes at a pivotal time for Antonelli, who’s following in the footsteps of a driver whose legacy at Mercedes includes six world championships. Rather than see himself as Hamilton’s replacement, Antonelli prefers to think of himself as “the next Mercedes driver.” A humble yet confident mindset that seems to suit him well as he begins his own F1 journey.

Drawing Inspiration from Hamilton’s 2007 Rookie Year

Despite the massive difference in experience, Antonelli finds inspiration in Hamilton’s iconic 2007 rookie season, where the then-22-year-old finished just one point shy of winning the championship in his debut year with McLaren. Antonelli, who wasn’t even born when Hamilton made his historic debut, has clearly studied Hamilton’s approach, admiring the consistency that helped the Briton excel in his first season.

“What he did really well is starting off well and then keep developing without trying to do too much. That’s why he did an amazing season, and that’s what I’m going to try to do,” Antonelli said.

His focus on steady development rather than explosive, uncalculated moves aligns with Hamilton’s seasoned philosophy of pacing oneself through the highs and lows of a rookie year. Antonelli aims to use the same careful approach that made Hamilton’s debut so legendary.

A Rocky Start: The Monza Crash and the Road to Recovery

Antonelli’s transition to Formula 1 wasn’t without its bumps. Last year, during a Formula 2 race, he had his first taste of F1 when he drove for Mercedes in Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Unfortunately, a high-speed crash in George Russell’s car shook up the young talent. In an act of humility, Antonelli apologized to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff for the mishap.

“Mercedes gave me the support I needed,” Antonelli said, reflecting on the team’s positive approach to the incident. He admits that in F1, with cars that are increasingly aerodynamically sensitive, the margin for error is razor-thin. “The fine line between being on the limit and going over is so little. And as soon as you go 105%, it happens like what happened in Monza,” he explained.

Despite the crash, Antonelli’s determination remains strong. His maturity in handling setbacks speaks volumes about his readiness to step into F1, especially under the watchful eye of Mercedes.

The Future Looks Bright for the Young Driver

While the road ahead won’t be without challenges, Antonelli’s approach to racing and his unshakable focus on developing steadily could see him achieve great things in F1. As he takes on one of the most coveted seats in motorsport, there’s no doubt that his calm and focused mentality, guided by Hamilton’s advice, will serve him well in what’s sure to be a thrilling career.

As for the future? Antonelli is determined to live up to the legacy of the team’s iconic past while carving out his own path to success. One thing’s for sure — he’s not here just to fill Hamilton’s shoes. He’s here to make his own mark.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Max Verstappen Ditches F1 Premiere, Tests Aston Martin in Spa-Francorchamps
Motorsports

Max Verstappen Ditches F1 Premiere, Tests Aston Martin in Spa-Francorchamps

Max Verstappen Ditches F1 Glamour for High-Speed Thrills at Spa! Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen shocked fans by snubbing the...

by Harry Stone
June 19, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Electrifying Battle to Reignite Red Bull’s F1 Crown Quest
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Electrifying Battle to Reignite Red Bull’s F1 Crown Quest

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Harry Bright
June 19, 2025
Max Verstappen’s High-Stakes Battle: F1 Race Ban Looms After Horner’s Dramatic Meeting
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s High-Stakes Battle: F1 Race Ban Looms After Horner’s Dramatic Meeting

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
June 19, 2025
Lewis Hamilton Stunned as Nico Rosberg Exposes Ferrari’s ‘Italy’ Dilemma
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton Stunned as Nico Rosberg Exposes Ferrari’s ‘Italy’ Dilemma

44 HAMILTON Lewis (gbr), Scuderia Ferrari SF-25, action during the Formula 1 Aramco Gran Premio de Espana 2025, Spanish Grand...

by Carl Harrison
June 19, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Max Verstappen Ditches F1 Premiere, Tests Aston Martin in Spa-Francorchamps

Max Verstappen Ditches F1 Premiere, Tests Aston Martin in Spa-Francorchamps

June 19, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Electrifying Battle to Reignite Red Bull’s F1 Crown Quest

Max Verstappen’s Electrifying Battle to Reignite Red Bull’s F1 Crown Quest

June 19, 2025
Max Verstappen’s High-Stakes Battle: F1 Race Ban Looms After Horner’s Dramatic Meeting

Max Verstappen’s High-Stakes Battle: F1 Race Ban Looms After Horner’s Dramatic Meeting

June 19, 2025
Lewis Hamilton Stunned as Nico Rosberg Exposes Ferrari’s ‘Italy’ Dilemma

Lewis Hamilton Stunned as Nico Rosberg Exposes Ferrari’s ‘Italy’ Dilemma

June 19, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks