Success, setbacks and Hamilton’s support - Antonelli’s first year in F1 assessed

Expectations from the outside were sky-high: Andrea Kimi Antonelli was widely expected to be The Next Best Thing in Formula 1, and there seemed to be consensus about this in the paddock. Although the Italian raced his way to the podium for the first time in his debut year in Canada, there have also been many difficult moments. However, his team Mercedes continues to have unshakeable faith in him.

Currently just 18 years old, Antonelli skipped Formula 3 and after barely a year in Formula 2, he moved on to F1. Big steps, no matter how highly talented you are estimated to be. For Mercedes, it was always a question of how well the youngster would perform in his first year at the highest level; completely in the spotlight and under constant pressure every weekend.

Mercedes expected a massive challenge

With highs and lows, is the conclusion during the summer break.“We knew we were setting a very high bar,” says team representative Bradley Lord to a small group of media including GPBlog, talking about Antonelli's year.

"It's a huge challenge. Coming into Formula 1, full stop, is a huge thing. To do so with a team that has Mercedes' level of expectation, it is even a bigger one."

Kimi Antonelli has experienced highs and lows in his rookie season

"We knew that and took that decision with open eyes. Our job is to support Kimi to give him the conditions to deliver and to realise that potential."

It was difficult to predict what Antonelli's average performance would be. The German team believe the ones he had have certainly not disappointed so far.

"We knew the season would have ups and downs. The more you can give a rookie driver a car that they can be confident in, that is predictable, where they can access the performance, the easier that process will be. That's where we have fallen down the second quarter of the season. Hopefully can find a better direction as we go forward."

Hamilton supports successor Antonelli

None other than Lewis Hamilton - Antonelli's predecessor at Mercedes - has frequently spoken positively about the Italian. This has not surprised Lord. “I think that's entirely in character with the Lewis that we've known for many years,” says the Brit.

“Kimi was in and around the team at the end of last season as well. Lewis offered his advice, his support and encouragement in that time as well. Notwithstanding the fact that at points, it was a pretty difficult end to the season for him.”

“He's a fantastic ally for young drivers in the sport. Probably no one has a better understanding of what it means coming into the sport with very high expectations and into a top team in a rookie season, as he did in 2007.”

“No one understands it better. I think his support is also hugely appreciated by Kimi, and by the other young drivers that received it as well."

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