As the anticipation builds around Kimi Antonelli’s potential future in Formula 1, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has shared a concerning rumor regarding the young Mercedes junior’s testing program. Antonelli, who is seen as a rising star and a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton, has been undergoing private tests to prepare for an eventual F1 debut. However, Montoya’s insights suggest that things may not be going as smoothly as expected.

Montoya’s Worrying Observations

Juan Pablo Montoya, known for his no-nonsense analysis, has hinted that Antonelli’s private F1 testing results may not be living up to expectations. While Antonelli is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in motorsport, Montoya suggested that there are growing concerns behind the scenes about whether the Italian driver is truly ready for a step up to Formula 1.

Mercedes has been investing heavily in Antonelli, grooming him for a potential 2025 F1 debut—possibly replacing Hamilton at the Silver Arrows. With such high expectations, any signs of struggle in his test sessions could cast doubt over how quickly he can adapt to the sport’s top level.

The Pressure of Filling Hamilton’s Shoes

The departure of a seven-time world champion like Lewis Hamilton leaves enormous pressure on whoever takes his place. If Mercedes is considering Antonelli as a direct replacement, the team needs to ensure he is fully prepared for the challenges of F1.

Unlike some previous Mercedes junior drivers, Antonelli has bypassed Formula 3, moving straight from Formula 4 to Formula 2 in a bold move that demonstrates the team's confidence in his abilities. However, skipping key development stages means that his performance in private F1 tests becomes even more critical in determining whether he is truly ready.

How Private Testing Works and Why It Matters

Private tests allow teams to evaluate young drivers in a controlled environment, often using older-spec Formula 1 machinery. While the results are rarely made public, these sessions are crucial for teams to assess:

• Raw pace and consistency
• Adaptability to F1 power and downforce
• Tyre management skills
• Ability to handle team feedback and data analysis

If Montoya’s concerns are accurate, it could mean that Antonelli is struggling to reach the benchmarks expected by Mercedes—a potential red flag as they weigh their 2025 driver lineup options.

What’s Next for Antonelli and Mercedes?

Despite the rumors, it’s important to remember that Antonelli remains one of the most highly rated young talents in motorsport. Early struggles in testing are not unusual for young drivers making the leap into F1 machinery.

However, if Mercedes has any doubts about Antonelli’s readiness, they may reconsider their 2025 driver lineup—potentially looking at a more experienced alternative while giving Antonelli more time to develop.

With more private tests scheduled and a full F2 season ahead, Antonelli still has time to prove himself. But Montoya’s comments raise an important question: Is Mercedes rushing their young prodigy into F1 too soon?