2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button.
Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli continues to be linked with their vacant F1 2025 seat, but Jenson Button warns teams can “destroy” a young driver under the pressure if they are not careful.
Haas, who have secured Ferrari’s promising British talent Oliver Bearman for F1 2025, should also take heed of this cautionary advice.
Jenson Button ‘destroy’ warning relevant to Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman
Off the back of his latest title triumph, Formula Regional European Champion Antonelli skipped Formula 3 to join Prema’s Formula 2 charge, Mercedes looking to the Italian for their future as a leading candidate to replace seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who is heading for Ferrari.
Despite facing immense pressure and scrutiny, Antonelli has yet to achieve the level of success that many had anticipated. However, he showcased his exceptional skills in wet conditions at Silverstone, delivering a masterful performance. Although currently positioned at P8 in the F2 standings and having undertaken private tests with Mercedes F1 equipment, Antonelli continues to be highly regarded as a potential addition to their F1 2025 team.
Bearman, Antonelli’s teammate at Prema team, has already secured his place in F1 2025. While Button urges these young drivers to seize the opportunity, he also emphasizes the significance of their respective teams managing them appropriately at this crucial stage of their career.
According to 2009 World Champion Button, if things don’t go as planned, it has the potential to “ruin” the careers of drivers like Antonelli or Bearman.
Button made his F1 debut at the age of 20 for Williams in 2000. According to RacingNews365.com, he stated, “I believe it wasn’t too early. When you’re a young driver at 17, 18, or 19, you must seize every opportunity that comes your way. Saying no is not an option!”
“However, I believe the teams should seriously consider the impact of their actions on a driver’s career when they are at such a young age.”
Teams must exercise caution when dealing with the potential for a driver’s career to either flourish or falter due to the immense pressures associated with this sport.
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Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, is responsible for choosing George Russell’s Formula 1 teammate for the 2025 season. He commended Antonelli for his victory in the Silverstone F2 sprint race, as he believes it has alleviated significant pressure from the young 17-year-old Italian.
“This year, F2 has proven to be quite challenging for him due to the car. It’s evident that both him and Bearman are facing a lot of difficulties in handling the car. He seems dissatisfied with his driving and lacks the necessary pace in the race,” Wolff informed the media, including PlanetF1.com.
However, witnessing him on Saturday effortlessly gliding over the water, occasionally surpassing everyone else by two seconds, one can clearly discern the extraordinary talent, skill, and untapped potential possessed by this young individual.
I believe winning that race helped alleviate a great deal of pressure from his shoulders.
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