Max Verstappen advised Kimi Antonelli, who is being touted as the next Verstappen, to embrace mistakes when entering Formula 1. Verstappen, who made his F1 debut at 17, acknowledged that he made mistakes during his rookie year and urged Antonelli not to fear making them. He emphasized the importance of learning from these mistakes and growing both as a driver and as a person. Verstappen also highlighted the importance of spending time with the same team and developing a deep understanding of the race car and its setup. He concluded by stating that having good people around you in the team is crucial for guidance and support.
Verstappen’s advice on accepting and learning from mistakes is solid, especially for a newcomer like Antonelli. He pointed out that starting at Toro Rosso, a car that is not at the front, was beneficial for him as it took the focus off any errors. Verstappen compared Antonelli’s situation with his own and Lewis Hamilton’s, highlighting the difference in experience and emotional maturity. Verstappen admitted he struggled with tire management during his early years in F1, which is a common challenge for young drivers. He stressed the importance of learning to take care of the tires and acknowledged that it was a skill he initially resented needing. However, he eventually developed a deep understanding and sensitivity towards the tires, which contributed to his success.
Antonelli, who was endorsed by Hamilton as a potential replacement, is considered a fantastic driver with a bright future in Formula 1. Russell, another young driver, expressed his support for Antonelli and enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to have him as a teammate. He praised Antonelli’s talent and highlighted their shared experience as junior drivers moving up the ranks. Russell believes that the potential addition of Antonelli to Mercedes would contribute to the team’s future success.
