Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Andrea Kimi Antonelli is “best prepared” to make his debut wit𓆉h Mercedes next year.

At last month’s Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli was announced as 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for 2025.

The 18-y♎ear-old Italian will step up to F1 next year after just one season racܫing in single-seaters.

While Prema have been uncompeti༒tive in FIA Formula 2, Antonelli🌟 has shown flashes of brilliances, while having the edge on Ferrari protege and 2025 Haas driver Oliver Bearman.

Antonelli has eওnjoyed a busy testing programme for Mercedes, driving their old cars on a number of occasions.

He’s also expected to drive for the team again duri𝄹ng an FP1 session in 2024.

Speakingꦚ on the Formula for Succes𒁃s podcast, Coulthard explained why Antonelli is in a good position to make his F1 debut.

“Antonelli’s pro🌊bably🤪 the best prepared in terms of he’s been doing a lot of old car testing and he’s had the opportunity with looking over the shoulder of a seven-time world champion,” Coulthard noted.

“He’s got to be primed and ready to go. Big challenge alongside George Russell o🥃f course who’s consistently been the quicker of the single-lap guys at Mercedes this year.

“I know Lewis has been questioning tyres a🍸nd all the rest of it, but you’ve got what you’ve got and basically you’ve just got to get on with it.”

F1 commentator Alex Jacques added: “Yeah, if Kimi Antonelli is out qualifyi𒁏ng George Russell everyone will sit up very, very quickly and p⭕ay attention.

“There are so many go🍎od narratives next year of wh♌ich the rookies are definitely part of it.”