Toto Wolff understands that any mistakes made by Kimi Antonelli will be placed under the microscope, even more so than future team-mate George Russell experienced at Williams. (More Motorsport News)
Antonelli, who currently sits sixth in the Formula 2 drivers' championship, was confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's replacement for Mercedes in the 2025 season last month.
The news broke merely 24 hours after the Italian made his debut in the opening practice session at Monza, impressing in his first few laps.
However, the 18-year-old's time behind the wheel quickly came to an end when he spun wildly entering the final corner of the track after just 10 minutes of running.
Before making the step up to Mercedes in 2022, future team-mate Russell spent three years with Williams, who found themselves as consistent back markers during his time there.
And while Wolff felt Russell's time with Williams should have been shorter, he acknowledged that his mistakes went largely unnoticed given the team's position in the constructors' championship, something that will be different for Antonelli.
바카라Obviously, maybe we바카라ve learned the lesson, George was maybe too long at Williams,바카라 said Wolff.
바카라[He] did some of the mistakes at Williams where he was not so visible. Now we바카라ve fast-tracked Kimi, mistakes are going to be more visible because it바카라s in a Mercedes.
바카라But we바카라re absolutely ready for that investment, and having these two guys 바카라 full Mercedes juniors now in Formula 1 바카라 is really great to see.
"It바카라s testament to the work of the junior team, looking at the minis today, the under-10s that are racing in karting.바카라
It took Russell 81 starts to claim his first triumph in the competition, coming in Sao Paulo two years ago.
He has since claimed 13 podiums for Mercedes, securing a second career victory earlier this season at the Austrian Grand Prix.
And despite a nervy start to his F1 career, Russell is confident that any mistakes Antonelli makes will be crucial for his development.
바카라When I look back to when I was 18 years old, there바카라s obviously so much to learn,바카라 Russell conceded.
바카라But I think, as a driver, you have the speed or you don바카라t have the speed, and I바카라m very confident Kimi has the speed.
바카라I think everybody on their journey is going to make mistakes, and that바카라s part of life and part of this sport. I바카라ve no doubt Kimi바카라s going to learn from [his FP1 at Monza].
바카라He바카라s definitely got the speed to help Mercedes get back to the front of the grid for next year onwards, and that바카라s why he바카라s going to be in the car alongside me next year.바카라
