Nico Rosberg Mentors Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Rookie Season Progresses
Barcelona, Spain – Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg has shed light on his significant role in shaping the career of young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who currently races for Mercedes. Rosberg revealed in an interview with Sky Sports F1 that he provided financial support and mentorship during Antonelli’s karting years with the Rosberg Racing Academy, humorously noting, “I even had to put in some of my own money because Mercedes were being such cheapskates.”
Rosberg expressed high praise for Antonelli’s talent, comparing him to established stars Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. “He is one of the best go-karting drivers we have ever seen,” Rosberg stated. Antonelli’s performance this season has shown flashes of brilliance, including a notable pole position in Miami. Rosberg commended Antonelli’s progress, highlighting his recent qualifying efforts where he was "only two-and-a bit-tenths off George Russell."
The 18-year-old Italian has made a strong start to his rookie season, currently sitting seventh in the drivers’ standings with 48 points, the highest among all rookies. At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Antonelli qualified sixth ahead of the race, demonstrating resilience after struggling in previous weekends.
Post-qualifying, Antonelli acknowledged the challenges ahead: “Preserving the tyres will be a real challenge for the whole field,” he said, emphasizing a focus on long-run pace for the weekend. “I know there was a couple of tenths to grab here and there, but overall, P6 is a great comeback.”
As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, both Rosberg and Antonelli are looking forward to testing their progress in a highly competitive setting. The race promises to be a critical moment in Antonelli’s burgeoning career.
