‘We missed an Italian on the F1 grid’ – Ex-F1 driver Liuzzi tips ‘amazing’ Antonelli to shine at Mercedes

“What occurred [in FP1 at Monza] can occur to anyone after they attain F1. There’s a variety of stress, a variety of stress, however he deserves this seat, he deserves an F1 place. I feel he’s going to have a shining future.

“I’m completely satisfied that Mr. [Toto] Wolff gave him an opportunity and he’s in a very nice setting. I’m actually trying ahead to 2025 and to see how he’ll carry out.”

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Whereas Liuzzi admits there will probably be loads of stress to take care of and a few challenges to beat, he feels the arrange at Mercedes – and the recommendation Russell can provide – ought to assist Antonelli deal with each components.

“Russell is a very wonderful staff mate as a benchmark,” continued the former Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Force India and HRT driver. “Kimi can be taught from George and take a variety of info [on board]. I feel he will probably be shortly in control and he is usually a actually good staff participant.

“It gained’t be straightforward, as a result of clearly you begin with a variety of stress in a staff like Mercedes, one of many prime groups within the discipline, however I feel if he’s sensible sufficient to play nicely his playing cards, as I mentioned earlier than, he could have a very vibrant future.

“The velocity is there, and that you simply can’t purchase, in order that’s crucial factor.”