Kimi Antonelli: A racer or destroyer? Ex-F1 legend raises concerns

Former F1 driver and legend Juan Pablo Montoya raises concerns regarding  Kimi Antonelli’s TPC Programme. The 18-year-old Italian is the youngest driver in the 2025 F1 grid and will race for the Mercedes F1 team.

Kimi is replacing the 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and has a huge task ahead of him. In 2025, the goal is to be consistent and support his teammate George Russell. However, there were more concerns regarding his car control as he crashed a lot during his TPC programme. 

'He has done a lot of damage'- Juan Pablo Montoya.

Last year he debuted in his home grand prix at Monza. Kimi took Russell's car and in his first flying lap, he had a 52G crash around the Parabolica corner. The rookie driver tested Hamilton's car during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix but didn't crash.

The Former F1 driver Montoya claims that Antonelli had, any huge crashes in his 9000+ Km of TPC training. Juan said “The question is Antonelli used to always wanting to win? And the rumours of what I’ve heard is that he has crashed a lot in tests, he has done a lot of damage. He has done a lot because he wants to go too fast."

Montoya advises Kimi Antonelli to spend more time learning with his teammate George Russell. He added “The car is built exactly to what George wants and he is going to have a difficult time. But, if he wants to go out to dominate George, maybe he will lose his head and the year will become complicated for him.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said “If you expect him to be in pole position in Melbourne, win the race and immediately compete for the championship, then the risk is high because that won’t happen.

If we take the approach that the boy is 18 years old, very talented, but of course has to grow into it first and will make mistakes, then the risk is limited. That’s why we’re doing it. We see 2025 as a transition year and want to prepare him for 2026.”

Also Read: Rookie No. 5: Kimi Antonelli- The Italian Who Became the Future of Mercedes.