Ex-Red Bull driver refutes claims of Kimi Antonelli being the next Max Verstappen
Nyck de Vries responded to 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli being considered as the next Max Verstappen in Formula 1.
Follow Us
Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (images via IMAGO)
Mercedes shocked the paddock when it announced the signing of 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli for 2025. The Italian prodigy is often considered as the next Max Verstappen of F1. Now, former F1 driver Nyck de Vries has commented on this comparison.
Antonelli will replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton this year. The 18-year-old will feel the heat at Mercedes. Though, Toto Wolff has stayed clear of putting unrealistic expectations on Kimi Antonelli. Moreover, the Italian driver himself has made it clear that he doesn’t see himself as a Hamilton replacement.
Nyck de Vries praised Kimi Antonelli as an incredible talent who lives and breathes his racing career. However, de Vries made it clear that there was no driver who lives for Formula 1 the way Max Verstappen has lived for it in the past decade. Thus, dismissing the comparison between the two.
He [Kimi Antonelli] has incredible talent and lives and breathes careers. Other than Max, honestly
Nyck de Vries told Motorsport.com
I don’t know anyone who lives for the sport as much as he does.
Kimi Antonelli ‘deserves’ Mercedes F1 seat
Nyck de Vries insisted that the 18-year-old was fully deserving of the Mercedes seat for 2025 alongside George Russell. The former Formula E champion emphasized that Antonelli will know how to find speed and learn right from the start of his campaign with the Silver Arrows.
[Kimi Antonelli] deserves this opportunity and George Russell has been there a long time. Antonelli knows what he is doing and has to take time to find speed and learn.
Nyck de Vries added
Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen do have similarities. Both drivers got their F1 break at an early stage in their careers after impressive performances in junior categories. However, the onus now lies on Antonelli to live up to the faith shown by Mercedes and Toto Wolff in the upcoming season.
Stay Updated!
Armaan Agarwal
(2382 Articles Published)