The question was asked by an F1 journalist following the decision by the Mercedes team principal to replace the departing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton with a not-so-convincing rookie.
Leo Turrini has great faith in his young compatriot, while also pointing out an interesting fact:
"Since Giancarlo Fisichella's Renault appearance, we haven't had an Italian driver with a chance of winning a race. That's why I think it's a big deal that Kimi Antonelli could be on the grid for Mercedes in 2025. Let's not forget that Mercedes won four races in 2024. I think we can rightly see them as one of the favourites for this year's season! At the same time, it cannot be underestimated that this increases the pressure on Antonelli even more. He's a very young driver with absolutely zero experience, and he already has to replace the legend Lewis Hamilton. Is this madness or genius? Time will tell...
"I think Antonelli is an extraordinary talent, even though he completely skipped F3 and has only a little experience in F2. But everyone I spoke to confirmed: he is a talent who belongs in F1. The rest is up to Mercedes. Will they give him enough time? Is Toto Wolff a real madman or a genius of the era? Or maybe he only needs Kimi Antonelli until Max Verstappen is free?" Turrini asked the big questions.
Photo: Gp Fans / XPB Images
