Italian F2 driver Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes protege, has created a stir in the world of motorsport. He has impressed in his debut F2 season and gained headlines as Lewis Hamilton’s potential successor at Mercedes. At just 17, he is a focal point of discussion. With the FIA’s adjusted age rules, Antonelli could enter F1 this year. Experts liken him to the next Max Verstappen. Rumors suggest he might replace Logan Sargeant at Williams before moving to Mercedes.

Many speculate on Kimi Antonelli’s potential debut and its implications. Amidst the chaos, F1 journalist Joe Saward described Antonelli’s charisma, akin to Valentino Rossi’s, on the ‘Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast’ on Spotify. When asked about Kimi Antonelli, Joe Saward described him: “He is an extraordinary young man. He’s got a lot of charisma, a lot of talent and he is very fun to be around. Mercedes has banned all interviews with him because they obviously don’t want him to be under media scrutiny. He was very sort of if I was trying to find an equivalent, I’d say he’s like Valentino Rossi. He’s got that kind of charisma.”

Oh! To be compared with Valentino Rossi’s charisma! Saward’s description of Antonelli is nothing but a compliment. It speaks great volumes about what one might expect from him when he finally makes it to F1. And an expert like Joe Saward won’t make a blunder at understanding true potential.

Saward also talked about the Williams scenario once Antonelli arrived. However, there might be a very slim chance that Carlos Sainz may get the seat and not Antonelli. But keeping aside the assumptions and rumors, Saward believes it will be a wonderful spectacle at Williams. What else did Joe Sward say?

“We’re not going to expect Kimi Antonelli to dominate Albon,”  says Joe Saward

Despite potential and capabilities, experience weighs more in the world of motorsport. For a future rookie like Antonelli, it would be unwise for him to choose to go head-on against Alex Albon.

Saward was asked for his opinions on the risks Antonelli might be taking if he chooses to go against Albon. Joe said: “We’re not going to expect him to dominate Albon in the first six races.” Antonelli must keep in mind, that he will be a teammate of Alex Albon, who is a top-class individual, according to Saward. He is doing exceptionally well on a subpar machine. Antonelli will have a lot of chances to compete against Albon, and even in the initial days, a couple of good performances would not harm Albon.

Alex Albon is an experienced driver. He has been consistent with his performance throughout. Antonelli can learn a lot from him and eventually dominate him. The matter of dominance comes into play only if Albon makes mistakes. And, as the fans know very well, he is not someone who falters very easily.

But coming back to Antonelli’s F1 debut, there is still a lot of suspense. Especially because Mercedes has stopped all kinds of media interactions with him. This adds to the intensity of the matter. Whether Carlos Sainz will get a seat at Williams is also an untouched conversation.  Whether or not Antonelli will replace Logan Sargeant mid-season is somewhat unclear. Over the next few races. as the season further unfolds, the F1 community will see more progress. New dramas and more action are anticipated.

Until then, do let us know your thoughts on Kimi Antonelli’s rumored F1 debut.