Helmut Marko Reveals Ferrari Had the Chance to Sign Kimi Antonelli Before Mercedes

Helmut Marko Reveals Ferrari Had the Chance to Sign Kimi Antonelli Before Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli will reportedly be unveiled as Mercedes’ new driver for 2025 during the upcoming Italian GP weekend at Monza—Ferrari’s home race. Interestingly, the Maranello-based outfit could have claimed Antonelli as their own had they signed him eight years ago.

Helmut Marko appeared as a guest on the ‘Inside Line F1 Podcast,’ where he was asked whether Red Bull ever targeted Antonelli. Marko insisted that they hadn’t. Ferrari, on the other hand, had the opportunity to sign him.

Back in 2016, while driving for Tony Kart Racing Team, Antonelli was in touch with Ferrari. He was one of Italy’s most talented young drivers, and Ferrari, in search of future stars from the country, had him on their radar. However, they ultimately decided to pass on him. Marko said,

“Ferrari obviously didn’t take Antonelli, even though they had first choice.”

Marko suggested that Ferrari could have secured Antonelli before Mercedes did, but it ultimately worked out in favor of the Brackley-based team. After Ferrari’s snub, Antonelli continued to impress in the junior circuits and caught Toto Wolff‘s eye in 2019. He joined their academy, and Wolff quickly recognized his potential for a successful F1 career in the future.

Wolff’s belief in Antonelli led him to have the 18-year-old skip F3 and directly compete in F2 this season. Now, Antonelli stands on the brink of joining the F1 grid full-time in 2025.

Nothing stands between Antonelli and a Mercedes seat

Antonelli has a lot to prove to meet the high expectations placed on him. He is on the verge of making history next year by becoming F1’s youngest debutant since Max Verstappen in 2015.

Antonelli will participate in FP1 at Monza, driving the W15, and it is also expected that Mercedes will announce his appointment on the same day. Although not officially confirmed, Wolff accidentally revealed that the youngster is part of their plans for next season. The Austrian stated that he hopes Antonelli and Russell will form a successful partnership for Mercedes in their quest for the championship.

Given Antonelli’s potential and the excitement surrounding him, his debut is set to be one of the most anticipated in recent F1 history.

Post Edited By: Somin Bhattacharjee
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Helmut Marko Scuderia Ferrari

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Naman Gopal Srivastava

Naman is an F1 writer at The SportsRush. Initially a football fanatic who worships Puyol and Leo Messi, Naman soon fell in love with the world of F1 upon reading about Jim Clarke. While the current era drivers do fascinate him, Naman still chooses to idolize Clarke and Ayrton Senna. When he is not busy watching the highlights of some of the greatest races of his idols, Naman can be found scribbling little snippets in his diary of poems or out in the town, exploring new places to eat.

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