Helmut Marko names the Mercedes rival who turned down the chance to sign Kimi Antonelli

Follow us on Google Discover

The Italian Grand Prix will definitely see a driver take part in their first Formula 1 event after Williams decide to promote Franco Colapinto from their academy.

It spelled the end of Logan Sargeant’s time in the sport but fans at Monza are much more excited about another debut slated for the first free practice session.

Mercedes announced that Kimi Antonelli will take part in FP1, taking over George Russell’s car for the first hour of the race weekend.

READ MORE: Who is Mercedes academy driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli? Everything to know

It’s almost certain that Antonelli will be confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement in the very near future which is incredibly exciting.

The Italian has only just turned 18 but his potential is vast and that’s why Toto Wolff has decided to promote the teenager rather than bring in a more experienced driver from elsewhere.

However, speaking on the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has given his verdict on Antonelli.

Comparisons will naturally be made between Antonelli and Max Verstappen given the age that they’ve been promoted to F1.

The Tifosi at Monza are some of the most passionate fans in Formula 1 and may have slightly split allegiances when it comes to cheering on their beloved Ferrari team and an Italian on the grid.

Marko believes that this conundrum potentially shouldn’t exist as Ferrari would have had first refusal to sign Antonelli before he joined Mercedes.

It’s a decision Frederic Vasseur will hope his predecessors at the team don’t live to regret.

Helmut Marko thinks Ferrari had first refusal to sign Mercedes wonderkid Kimi Antonelli

Asked about the 18-year-old Italian, Marko said: “I mean, I’m not so informed about the details from Antonelli.

“I know one of the results he was testing a lot in a years-old Formula 1 car but if someone has the talent and the team is brave enough to do it, I mean we showed it with Max and then it’s working and I think it’s the right approach.

“If someone is coming up, it doesn’t matter how old he is, when he has the talent, let’s get him in the car.

“For sure it helped them [seeing Red Bull promote Verstappen at such a young age] to make their decision.”

Marko was then asked if Antonelli was ever on his radar and continued: “No, he was driving for Tony Kart. Tony Kart in the past had a cooperation with Ferrari and of course, we watched a little bit but you can’t have all the drivers, especially if they’re so young.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

“Ferrari obviously didn’t take Antonelli even though they had first choice and it was then Mercedes who signed him up.

“But, let’s see, he did very well but let’s see what he is doing in Formula 1.”

Mercedes and Ferrari both battling to catch Red Bull and McLaren this season

It’s been a fascinating Formula 1 season and while Red Bull and McLaren are battling to win the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes and Ferrari may feel like they’ve missed an opportunity.

Charles Leclerc’s win in Monaco turned out to the pinnacle of their campaign thus far although they did impress at Zandvoort.

Mercedes went into the summer break having won three of the last four races but Toto Wolff’s team were lost at the Dutch Grand Prix.

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

Anthony Davidson still expects Mercedes to win at least one more race this year but whether they can close the gap to the three teams above them is another story.

Instead, they may look ahead of 2025 when Russell and Antonelli will have the task of trying to compete with the very best before a new set of regulations are introduced the following year.

Excitement will be high at Ferrari with the arrival of Hamilton alongside Leclerc in the team, but they’ll be keeping a very close on eye on how Antonelli performs in case they made a grave error years ago when the Italian was beginning to impress in karting.