Mercedes star dealt crushing comparison after HORROR debut

A former world champion has rubbed salt in the wounds of one of the sport's rising stars following his catastrophic recent Formula 1 debut.

Following Lewis Hamilton's shock decision to swap Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, there had been much speculation over who would take his place, with defending champion Max Verstappen strongly linked with a move.

F1 HEADLINES: Hamilton in emotional outpour as F1 star CRASHES £300k Ferrari

READ MORE: Ricciardo's Red Bull 'PROMOTION' discussed as F1 future hangs in the balance

However, Mercedes announced that the team's junior driver Kimi Antonelli had earned the coveted spot alongside George Russell after impressing boss Toto Wolff in F2 this season.

READ MORE: F1 European champion crowned in SHOCK result as Hamilton lands big win

Champion questions Antonelli F1 seat

The Italian youngster was handed an opportunity to get behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time at last weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza, but endured a horror introduction to the top tier of motorsport.

Filling in for future team-mate Russell in FP1, the 18-year-old spun off the circuit at Parabolica and was unable to continue the session due to the damage he caused.

Former Ferrari star and 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen - was in attendance at Monza as he visited his former team in the Sauber garage, and admitted he is excited to see what Antonelli can do.

Speaking to Formula1.com, the 21-time race winner said: "It’s great. A lot of new faces, I think, coming next year, a lot of new drivers that have been signed to F1.

"It’s good for the sport, and it’s also great to have an Italian in the championship - it’s good for everybody, I think.”

READ MORE: Axed McLaren star blasts ‘UNFAIR’ F1

However, Raikkonen went on to deliver a brutal assessment of the experiences drivers have nowadays compared to when he made his introduction to the sport.

“I’m sure they [Mercedes] know how to get him [Antonelli] ready," he continued.

"Obviously, these days they have simulators. When I started, there was no simulator, you [just] jumped in and got going!

“I think it’s much easier [to move up to F1], in many ways, now.

"You can do a lot of testing, obviously, and get ready. I wish them and all the rest all the best!”

READ MORE: Newey's JAW-DROPPING Aston Martin contract details 'revealed'

Related

Latest F1 News

F1 confirm MAJOR 2025 change with luxury partnership

• Yesterday 09:56

Latest F1 News

Groundbreaking F1 championship plans revealed

• October 1, 2024 14:57
• 1