Replacing an accomplished driver in any capacity can come with challenges. However, in the case of Kimi Antonelli, replacing perhaps Formula 1’s greatest driver of all time in Lewis Hamilton, is a monster task.
Adding in the fact that he’s only 18 years old and that’s a near insurmountable amount of pressure for the young Italian driver.
However, Antonelli rose above that pressure in a major way during F-1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
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Battling wet track conditions, Antonelli charged from 16th on the grid with precision as he worked his way to fourth by race’s end.
While he was initially knocked down to fifth due to a five-second time penalty, race officials rescinded the infraction, allowing him to remain fourth.
“That was an incredibly eventful race,” Antonelli said. “The conditions were super tricky out there. We had so many different conditions that we had to cope with today, but I think we did a good job as a team.
“I was happy with how we managed everything from start to finish and to come home P4, having started P16, is really positive. I definitely can’t complain about how my debut race in F-1 has gone. It was also great to see George up on the podium for the team.
“Whilst we didn’t have the pace to challenge the McLarens, it’s always good to pick up silverware.”
Antonelli made history in the process on Sunday.
He became only the sixth driver in the last 30 years to finish inside the top five of an F-1 race. Notably, Hamilton, who competes for Scuderia Ferrari this year, placed third in his debut in 2007.
“The whole weekend has been a good learning experience,” Antonelli said. “Being knocked out in Q1 after suffering floor damage yesterday was obviously disappointing.
“To bounce back today though, and experience so much in one race, is really good for my development as an F-1 driver. We’ve had a strong first weekend and I’m looking forward to building on that in China next week.”
