Helmut Marko compares Mercedes’ risk on Kimi Antonelli to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen gamble
Red Bull's Helmut Marko highlighted a key difference between Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes debut and Max Verstappen's 2015 F1 entry.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Mercedes surprised the F1 paddock by signing 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli for 2025 to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. The Italian driver will be one of the youngest to race in the sport’s history. Now, Dr. Helmut Marko has drawn an interesting comparison with Max Verstappen‘s 2015 debut.
Marko highlighted that the Silver Arrows were taking a risk on Kimi Antonelli. The 81-year-old recalled Red Bull took a similar bet on Max Verstappen in 2015. The Dutch driver made his debut at the age of 17, a year younger than the Mercedes prodigy.
Antonelli is a risk. We took a similar risk with Max, who was even younger when he got into an F1 car.
Helmut Marko told Sport DE
However, Helmut Marko pointed out that Verstappen was given a seat at Red Bull’s sister team, Toro Rosso (now RB). On the other hand, Kimi Antonelli will be racing for Mercedes. As such, Marko noted that the Italian driver will be under more pressure compared to debutant Max Verstappen a decade ago.
But he [Max Verstappen] wasn’t in our top team, so there was less pressure on him.
Helmut Marko added
Helmut Marko warns Kimi Antonelli over F1 debut
The Red Bull advisor reckoned that Antonelli can become a threat in the sport if he manages to cleverly use his talent. However, if the 18-year-old pushes too hard from the start, he could jeopardize his career. As Mercedes would not be willing to see its driver involved in too many costly incidents.
If he [Kimi Antonelli] cleverly uses his strengths and speed, which he clearly has, and develops slowly, he can become a threat. But if he tries to push too hard, then his career will be at risk.
Helmut Marko stated
Kimi Antonelli is often seen as perhaps the next Max Verstappen of Formula 1. The Italian driver will need to remain consistent if he wants to make a mark on the grid. The Silver Arrows would expect a few mistakes from the 18-year-old at the start. However, it would be better for Antonelli to not cause any unwanted incidents next season.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2271 Articles Published)