Helmut Marko admits Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli was never on Red Bull’s ‘radar’
Helmut Marko claimed that Kimi Antonelli was never in the running for a Red Bull seat despite showcasing great results in F2.
Helmut Marko and Kimi Antonelli (via IMAGO)
Mercedes has continued to showcase their interest in acquiring the prodigy Kimi Antonelli in their arsenal for the coming season. He is already set to debut in Formula 1 with Mercedes in the FP1 at the Italian GP replacing George Russell. The Italian’s entry to the team has posed multiple highly beneficial prospects. Amidst this, Helmut Marko admitted that the 18-year-old wasn’t even considered for a seat at Red Bull.
FIA had made a special exclusion for Kimi Antonelli to acquire his super license at just 17 years old. Mercedes’ test session at the Italian GP will help Antonelli to set his mark in the pinnacle of motorsport. Helmut Marko claimed that the prodigy was never on the radar of Red Bull. Additionally, the 81-year-old pointed out that Antonelli’s past with Ferrari’s Tony Kart might be one of the reasons for the exclusion
Antonelli was not on our radar. He was driving for Tony Kart, who have worked with Ferrari in the past.Helmut Marko said via formulapassion.it.
Marko didn’t hesitate to claim that Ferrari didn’t acquire Kimi Antonelli despite him being the first choice. In turn, this allowed Mercedes to quickly grab the 18-year-old and help him score well in Formula 1. Antonelli’s debut at the FP1 with Brackley will provide more information about his chances in the sport.
Ferrari didn’t take him and he was the first choice. Then Mercedes signed him,Helmut Marko added.
Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen’s ‘launch’ motivated Mercedes
Helmut Marko didn’t doubt Kimi Antonelli’s chances to perform well at Mercedes due to him being a prodigy. Subsequently, the 81-year-old noted that age didn’t matter for a driver as long as they had potential. Hence, Red Bull’s daring move to acquire Max Verstappen back in 2016 motivated Toto Wolff to pounce on the opportunity to acquire the prodigy in their arsenal as per Marko.
If someone is growing, it doesn’t matter how old they are. If they have the talent, they should be put in the car. Surely, Mercedes will have been helped in making this decision by how the choice to launch Verstappen went.Helmut Marko noted.
Mercedes’ recent upturn in performance in the 2024 season will prove beneficial to Kimi Antonelli in his debut. Multiple sources believe that a deal has already been struck between the two parties. However, no official confirmation has yet been provided on the matter as the grid awaits the confirmation for the empty seat at Brackley.
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Aditya Pandya
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