Kimi Raikkonen refuses to give advice to Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli for 2025 F1 debut
Ex-F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen mentioned that it was easier for drivers like Kimi Antonelli to reach F1 now compared to two decades ago.
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Kimi Raikkonen and Kimi Antonelli (images via IMAGO)
18-year-old Kimi Antonelli will be racing for Mercedes in 2025. The Italian prodigy will replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next season. Antonelli has impressed many in the F1 paddock by his performances in junior categories. 2007 F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen was asked if he had any words of advice for the upcoming star.
Raikkonen had a straight forward response over giving advice to Kimi Antonelli. The Finn did not have any special words for the Italian. Rather, Kimi Raikkonen made it clear that Mercedes knew how to get the 18-year-old ready for his full-time debut next season.
I’m sure they [Mercedes] know how to get him ready.Kimi Raikkonen said, as reported by RacingNews365
Moreover, the former world champion highlighted that nowadays F1 simulators play a major role in preparation, something that was missing when he made his debut two decades ago. Subsequently, Kimi Raikkonen reckoned that it was much easier for drivers to move up to Formula 1 today than it was years ago.
Obviously, these days they have simulators. When I started, there was no simulator, you [just] jumped in and got going. I think it’s much easier [to move up to F1], in many ways, now.Kimi Raikkonen stated
Kimi Raikkonen claims having an Italian F1 driver is ‘good for everyone’
Italy is known for its passion for racing. Yet, Formula 1 lacked an Italian driver for the past couple of seasons. Kimi Antonelli will become the first Italian to race in F1 since Antonio Giovinazzi, who partnered Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo. Kimi Raikkonen reckoned that having an Italian driver in the sport was good for everyone.
It’s also great to have an Italian in the championship. It’s good for everybody, I think.Kimi Raikkonen explained
Certainly, it seems that Kimi Raikkonen is happy to see Antonelli get a full-time seat at Mercedes. The 18-year-old will need to learn how to deal with pressure at the pinnacle of motorsport. However, fans are extremely excited to see the Italian make a mark in Formula 1 next year.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2308 Articles Published)