Ex-F1 driver claims Kimi Antonelli will keep Italy’s passion ‘high’ with Mercedes seat in 2025
Former Red Bull driver Vitantonio Liuzzi was delighted to see his fellow countryman Kimi Antonelli join Mercedes in 2025.
Follow Us
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (via IMAGO)
Italy is synonymous with motorsport. The country is the home to the world’s most successful racing team in history, Scuderia Ferrari. However, Formula 1 did not have an Italian driver in the past couple of years. This is set to change with Kimi Antonelli joining Mercedes next season to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. Now, fellow Italian driver Vitantonio Liuzzi has expressed his excitement for the 18-year-old’s debut.
Kimi Antonelli will be the first Italian driver to compete in Formula 1 since Antonio Giovinazzi in 2021. Liuzzi highlighted that many missed having an Italian on the grid. The former Red Bull driver emphasized that Italy is one of the most historic countries in the racing world and as such it is important to have someone like Antonelli in F1.
We missed an Italian on the F1 grid – it’s so important. Italy is such a historic country for motorsport.
Vitantonio Liuzzi told F1
Moreover, Vitantonio Liuzzi asserted that Italy not only has the Italian GP but even Ferrari and Faenza-based RB. The 44-year-old claimed that having Kimi Antonelli will keep the passion of the people high in the country.
Apart from the Grand Prix, we have historic brands, great brands, so it’s important to keep the passion of the people high.
Vitantonio Liuzzi asserted
Vitantonio Liuzzi reckons Kimi Antonelli can learn from George Russell at Mercedes
Antonelli will be partnering George Russell at the Silver Arrows. The British driver will play the role of the team leader and help the 18-year-old. Vitantonio Liuzzi asserted that Russell is a great benchmark for Kimi Antonelli. Moreover, Liuzzi insisted that the Mercedes prodigy would be able to learn and be quickly up to speed next year.
Russell is a really amazing team mate as a benchmark. Kimi can learn from George and take a lot of information [on board]. I think he will be quickly up to speed and he can be a really good team player.
Vitantonio Liuzzi noted
Fans are excited to see Kimi Antonelli make his full-time debut next year. The 18-year-old will have to meet high expectations from the get-go at Mercedes. However, Antonelli seems to be well prepared for the challenge and would likely showcase his talent from the season opener in Melbourne, Australia.
Stay Updated!
Armaan Agarwal
(2329 Articles Published)