Doesn’t the same go for Frederik Vesti? He was not good enough for F1, Mercedes academy junior, won the F2 title… The fact that Kimi skipped F3 only speaks against him in my opinion. Look at Piastri, he was very consistent in the junior ranks and he’s holding his own.
*almost won the f2 title (he lost to Pourchaire)
I don’t think his junior career was quite what Antonelli’s has been. Antonelli has improved a lot after a shaky start but I agree Piastri was on the pace immediately and he had one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory. It was clear he would be f1 material, I’m surprised he didn’t get a seat the next year tbh
Yeah
The smart money would have put Piastri in a seat immediately after his f2 season. But he had to sit out. But he has proven his quality in McLaren and is definitely a future WDC contender.
Vesti never had that spark in my opinion. Neither his or Pourchaire’s F2 season was particularly impressive.
For Antonelli in F2, we will not find out since he’s already moving on. Prema were nowhere at the start of the season but they’ve improved now, as has Antonelli who looks to be close to Bearman’s pace but with less experience.
I think he will be decent in the Merc but we shall see. Its a better deal than starting in a backmarker like Schumacher, Sargeant and Colapinto have done.
For sure. I just think there are many talented young drivers that have proven themselves to be capable in F1 machinery that did not get this preferential treatment. Lawson did a decent job for VCARB, Hadjar has shown he’s a top contender in F2, Martins is finding his footing again, Doohan is finally getting his seat.
There is so much talent that either has to wait for a seat like this or never gets the chance. Look at the performances Russell had to put in in a really subpar Williams and he reluctantly got a chance when Lewis was out sick. Now he’s matching a 7 time WDC.
I would not be surprised if Antonelli exits after 30 races and Mercedes chalking it up to bad luck, the car or lack of experience.
Probably got him cheap and are hoping to build a franchise with him, or sell him off in a few years at a profit.
Doesn’t the same go for Frederik Vesti? He was not good enough for F1, Mercedes academy junior, won the F2 title… The fact that Kimi skipped F3 only speaks against him in my opinion. Look at Piastri, he was very consistent in the junior ranks and he’s holding his own.
*almost won the f2 title (he lost to Pourchaire) I don’t think his junior career was quite what Antonelli’s has been. Antonelli has improved a lot after a shaky start but I agree Piastri was on the pace immediately and he had one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory. It was clear he would be f1 material, I’m surprised he didn’t get a seat the next year tbh
You mean Piastri? He’s with McLaren next year right?
Yeah The smart money would have put Piastri in a seat immediately after his f2 season. But he had to sit out. But he has proven his quality in McLaren and is definitely a future WDC contender.
Vesti never had that spark in my opinion. Neither his or Pourchaire’s F2 season was particularly impressive.
For Antonelli in F2, we will not find out since he’s already moving on. Prema were nowhere at the start of the season but they’ve improved now, as has Antonelli who looks to be close to Bearman’s pace but with less experience.
I think he will be decent in the Merc but we shall see. Its a better deal than starting in a backmarker like Schumacher, Sargeant and Colapinto have done.
For sure. I just think there are many talented young drivers that have proven themselves to be capable in F1 machinery that did not get this preferential treatment. Lawson did a decent job for VCARB, Hadjar has shown he’s a top contender in F2, Martins is finding his footing again, Doohan is finally getting his seat.
There is so much talent that either has to wait for a seat like this or never gets the chance. Look at the performances Russell had to put in in a really subpar Williams and he reluctantly got a chance when Lewis was out sick. Now he’s matching a 7 time WDC.
I would not be surprised if Antonelli exits after 30 races and Mercedes chalking it up to bad luck, the car or lack of experience.
It will be exciting to see hey? 2025 shaping up to be a mega season!