Kimi Antonelli’s Rising Star: Damon Hill Sees Spark of Brilliance as Mercedes Eyes Future F1 Lineup

Kimi Antonelli is now demonstrating flashes of the excellence frequently mentioned as he seeks to impress Mercedes.

"He appears to be revealing the exceptional talent they often speak of."

1996 Formula One World Champion Damon Hill is convinced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli is starting to display the exceptional talent Mercedes has been highlighting, following a challenging introduction to F2.

Antonelli, the rising star at Mercedes, is poised to fill Lewis Hamilton's spot, teaming up with George Russell in the 2025 Formula 1 season

The 17-year-old is considered the leading contender for the position, with Italian media speculations indicating that a formal declaration might be expected at Monza the following month.

Antonelli ranks seventh in the Formula 2 standings, trailing Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar by 78 points.

Despite F2 being a series designed with identical cars for all teams, certain teams have been facing more challenges than their counterparts.

Antonelli holds a leading position over his Prema colleague, Oliver Bearman, who is set to join Haas in Formula 1 the following year.

In the recent episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Hill discussed Antonelli's advancements in F2.

"Hill mentioned that he appears to be displaying the exceptional talent everyone mentions."

"It's clear they've escalated their language regarding Antonelli. Initially, it was challenging for us to understand the points they were making, I must admit."

"He's part of Prema, and they've been struggling to get their vehicle in optimal condition. This has made it challenging for him, as well as for Ollie Bearman, to be competitive in F2. However, he has managed to deliver some strong performances lately."

In the latest F2 race at Spa, Antonelli executed an impressive maneuver in the rain, overtaking Franco Colapinto at Eau Rouge.

Hill believes Antonelli is set to further amaze everyone in the latter half of the year.

"He mentioned that although he didn't witness it personally, during the brief seven-lap sprint race at Spa, he believes the racer executed a maneuver that became the subject of much discussion."

"When commentators experience those shivers of excitement, remarking, 'did you witness that? That was quite remarkable'. It's then you realize he's beginning to come into his own, displaying the prowess and skill we've been told so much about."

"Absolutely consider allowing him an additional half season or so…"

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