Mercedes have a ‘frantic desire’ for Kimi Antonelli to replicate Sebastian Vettel feat with Red Bull

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Mercedes have high hopes for Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 career. But his 2025 season has perhaps gone exactly how a rookie campaign is supposed to go.

The Italian caught everyone’s attention on his debut at the Australian GP, climbing from P16 to finish a hugely impressive fourth. Since then, the 18-year-old has set several records.

The Mercedes driver became the youngest leader of a Grand Prix when he briefly led the race at Suzuka. In Miami, Antonelli became the youngest polesitter in any format as he set the fastest time in Sprint qualifying.

He grabbed his maiden F1 podium at the Canadian GP by finishing third, with teammate George Russell winning Mercedes’ only race of 2025 thus far. Since that event, the Italian has entered a torrid run of form.

Antonelli has desperately struggled during the European leg of the season, with his 10th-place finish last time out in Hungary being the only points finish he managed on his home continent. Despite this dramatic slump in form, Mercedes are not giving up on their star talent.

Mercedes have a ‘frantic desire’ to replicate Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull success with Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli is out of contract in 2025, as is teammate Russell. Reports suggested that Mercedes could loan out Antonelli as the Silver Arrows were pursuing a deal for Max Verstappen, with Alpine being mentioned as a possible option.

However, with Verstappen moving to Mercedes now off the cards for 2026, the Brackley outfit are set to retain their current drivers. Toto Wolff has huge faith in Antonelli, and he is desperate to see him reach the top of the sport.

In a report from FunoAnalisiTecnica, Mercedes are said to have a ‘frantic desire’ to replicate what Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen achieved at Red Bull with Antonelli. The duo each won four titles with the Milton Keynes outfit (Vettel 2010-2013, Verstappen 2021-2024).

Vettel and Verstappen were brought up through Red Bull’s driver programme, progressing through the ranks at Toro Rosso before joining the main team and becoming multiple race winners and champions. Mercedes are keen to repeat the process with Antonelli.

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

Kimi Antonelli has constantly been likened to F1 champions during his rookie season

Several key figures have been drawing comparisons between Mercedes’ latest talent and legends of the sport. Robert Doornbos likened Antonelli’s debut to Ayrton Senna after seeing how he drove through the field in the tricky weather conditions.

But Antonelli does not like the Senna comparisons as he is keen to make a name for himself in F1. The pressure and expectations placed on the 18-year-old may be getting to him as he struggles for consistent points.

However, his team have been quick to defend him. Russell says Antonelli’s pace is not far from his when looking at the data, which the Brit believes goes unnoticed.

The Italian clearly has potential to be a real talent in F1. But he still has a lot to learn, and Mercedes will certainly give him all the support he needs as they view him as the next rising star.