Guenther Steiner has done a u-turn on Kimi Antonelli after record-breaking Las Vegas Grand Prix

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Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has been keeping a close eye on Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli throughout his debut campaign.

Kimi Antonelli became the second driver in Formula 1 history, after Sergio Perez in 2013, to face the prospect of replacing Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes and Hamilton were an unstoppable combination for years, but Antonelli was told to ignore the pressure by team principal Toto Wolff as he got up to speed as one of the sport’s youngest-ever drivers.

Antonelli showed amazing signs of progress at the beginning of the year, before a worrying slump in his form during the European leg of the season.

The teenager went on a run of two-point scoring finishes in nine races at one point, but has shown why Wolff wanted him alongside George Russell this season in recent races.

This has led to Guenther Steiner changing his mind on Antonelli after making some interesting claims earlier in the year.

READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats

Guenther Steiner u-turns on Kimi Antonelli after Las Vegas Grand Prix podium

Antonelli became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to start from 17th or below and finish on the podium at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Only Rolf Stommelen and Nelson Piquet Jr managed the same feat during their rookie seasons, highlighting how difficult Antonelli’s achievement was.

Speaking on the Drive to Wynn podcast, Steiner shared his thoughts on Antonelli’s performance. He said: “The last races were very good for him.

“And I think when they put him in the car, they knew that he was there one year too early.

“But they put him in because Lewis decided to leave. I think the plan was to put him in, in 2026, but that plan got disturbed by Lewis leaving, so they couldn’t find anybody, a good driver on the market, who would sign a contract for one year.

“So they said, we take him a year earlier, but with the risk that we have some disappointments. They had some disappointments, but they were very few, and he matured very well, I would say.

“I think what it does when you mature like this, it gives you confidence. And that is the most important thing for these young kids, because when at 19 years old, you lose your confidence, it’s very difficult to get it back.

“So I think he’s doing a very good job. Mercedes and Toto put a lot of faith in Kimi Antonelli, to be honest, but it seems to be working out. I think Toto is relieved.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Andrea Kimi Antonelli prepares for his final new circuit of the 2025 Formula 1 season

Steiner previously suggested Mercedes should consider replacing Antonelli for 2026, with a more experienced driver potentially in a better position to capitalise on what could be the fastest car on the grid.

Instead, Antonelli proved that with the right strategy, he can make significant progress throughout a race, although he and Mercedes will hope that’s not necessary in future if he can sort out his qualifying.

F1 Oversteer fans using TalkingPoints named Antonelli as the second-best driver at the Las Vegas Grand Prix behind winner Max Verstappen.

Verstappen was even amazed by Antonelli’s progress as they enjoyed a brief interaction before the podium ceremony.

It’s clear that after a difficult spell, Antonelli is beginning to prove he has what it takes to fight against the quickest drivers on the grid.

That will only encourage Wolff further that he’s made the right decision by handing both of his drivers new contracts heading into 2026.