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Journalist
Hungry for sport, he grew up to the sound of Formula 1 engines and the exploits of Ronaldinho. Today, with a Master's degree in sports journalism, he no longer misses an F1 Grand Prix or a PSG match, his two passions and specialties.
While several ideas have been circulated to replace Lewis Hamilton, whose departure for Ferrari has been confirmed since the start of the year, Mercedes has opted for the young Kimi Antonelli. A choice which does not fail to provoke a reaction given the lack of experience of the F2 driver. Moreover, Juan Pablo Montoya does not hesitate to display his doubts.
After the emotion of the announcement of the signing of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrariall eyes were turned towards Mercedes and his choice to replace the seven-time world champion. As promised by Toto Wolffthe German manufacturer's team took its time to make the best decision. And while the rumors have been numerous, ranging from Carlos Sainz has Esteban Ocon et Mick Schumacheror even Max Verstappenhe is ultimately a very young pilot covered by Mercedes who will sit in the seat of the seven-time world champion. It is about Kimi Antonelliwho hasn't even played a full season yet in F2. A choice which therefore inevitably gets people talking.
Montoya not totally convinced by Antonelli
Especially since during his first appearance at the wheel of the Mercedes during free practice Italian Grand Prix has Monza, Kimi Antonelli had destroyed his car by sending it into the wall. Enough to give doubts to Juan Pablo Montoya. « He entered the track and looked like he immediately wanted to break the lap record. Then he destroyed the car », he explains in comments reported by Nextgen-auto.com. Back in the seat of his future single-seater in Mexico, Kimi Antonelli did not convince the former Colombian pilot any more: “ In Mexico, in my opinion, he drove too carefully not to damage anything. In Monza he was criticized because he took the car off the track, in Mexico he was too slow, and of course that's not good either. You have to find the right balance, and I see that as a problem ».
“I wonder if he is really ready for this step”
If it does not call into question the qualities of the successor of Lewis Hamilton, Juan Pablo Montoya doubts the timing, however: “ Kimi has the ability and speed to race in Formula 1, there is no doubt about that. He did many more laps than other new drivers like (Oliver) Bearman, (Jack) Doohan or (Gabriel) Bortoleto, thanks to all those tests with the old Mercedes on many different circuits. But I wonder if he's really ready for this step ». Kimi Antonelli will therefore be eagerly awaited next season.
