Mercedes Quashes Nurburgring Ambitions for F1 Leader Kimi Antonelli
Could Kimi Antonelli be the next Formula 1 star to follow in Max Verstappen’s footsteps and tackle the fearsome Nordschleife? Recent rumours suggested that the young Italian was eyeing a stint on the «Green Hell» but his current employers have swiftly put an end to the speculation.
The chatter began after Antonelli featured in a recent video discussing the DMSB Nordschleife Permit (DPN). In the clip the teenager expressed his ambition to secure the licence «by the end of the year.» The footage quickly gained traction across social media platforms but Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord was quick to shut down the idea during the recent Nurburgring 24 Hours, Motorsport reports.
When questioned by the Nitro broadcast team about whether the Silver Arrows would permit Kimi Antonelli to pursue the DPN this season, Lord offered a blunt response.
«No,» he stated.
He clarified the situation by adding that he had already spoken to the driver about the comments.
«I think he meant it more as a joke,» Lord explained.
Displaying a sense of humour about the situation, Lord quipped that Kimi Antonelli might be allowed to «give it a try after four world championships.» This was a clear nod to Verstappen who, according to the Mercedes boss, possesses «a bit more range thanks to his experience» compared to the 19-year-old Antonelli.
Verstappen himself has already participated in several events on the Nordschleife and made his highly anticipated debut in the 24-hour endurance classic this year. Driving the Verstappen.com Racing Mercedes alongside team-mates Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer, the Dutchman’s squad led for the vast majority of the event. Unfortunately a late driveshaft failure shattered the team’s hopes of securing an outright victory.
For the time being Lord emphasised that Antonelli must maintain his «full focus» entirely on his Formula 1 commitments. The teenage sensation is currently enjoying a phenomenal start to the season and leads the drivers’ championship after securing three consecutive grand prix victories.
Following the opening four rounds of the campaign Kimi Antonelli sits 20 points clear of his team-mate George Russell. Meanwhile Mercedes completely dominates the constructors’ standings with a flawless 180 points after winning every race so far this season.
