Shovlin explains why ‘naturally gifted’ Antonelli stands out as he assesses whether Mercedes’ progress impacts second seat decision

Mercedes Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin has given his take on why Kimi Antonelli – the youngster linked to the team’s vacant seat for 2025 – has stood out to the squad, as well as explaining whether the Silver Arrows’ improved form of late could influence the decision on their second driver.

With Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari being announced ahead of the 2024 season getting under way, speculation has continued over who will partner George Russell at Mercedes next season.

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The name perhaps most heavily linked to the position is that of Antonelli, the 17-year-old F2 driver who has impressed many during his rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks, having bypassed F3 after winning the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 titles in 2022 and the Formula Regional Middle East and European Championships.

In recent months the Italian has participated in tests for Mercedes, which saw him drive the team’s 2021 car at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in April before getting behind the wheel of the 2022 challenger at Imola prior to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May.

Asked what stands out about Antonelli both on and off the track, Shovlin explained: “His speed is the main thing. He’s gone through the series very, very quickly. It wasn’t long ago that he was driving go-karts, he’s now in F2, he’s testing an F1 car with us.

“He’s got a very impressive CV for someone so young, and no doubt he’ll have a bright future. But he looks like one of those naturally gifted talents that everyone’s trying to find.”

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Mercedes have seen their prospects improve as the 2024 season has progressed, having gone from a challenging start through to claiming three wins across the last four races.

Pushed on whether fighting nearer to the front again could result in the team leaning more towards an experienced driver for their second seat, Shovlin suggested that the squad’s place in the pecking order would not have a bearing on this.

“To be honest, where we’re racing doesn’t really affect that,” the Briton said. “We want the two best drivers and we need to make the best car, and the team are going to focus on that.

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“I think, if you get those ingredients right, you’ll do fine. But certainly where we are in the competitive order doesn’t affect whether we’re looking for an experienced driver or a young driver.”