Antonelli: F2 championship didn't kick off in best way

Mercedes are adamant that Antonelli is the next big talent in F1, the next Max Verstappen they dare say, but the young driver has yet to impress in F2, where he sits seventh in the Championship with only two wins.

Antonelli was catapulted in F2 directly from the Formula Regional series skipping F3, and Mercedes have been giving him a lot of seat time in private tests in older Mercedes F1 cars, as the prospect of putting him in the vacant seat Hamilton will leave when he goes to Ferrari s becoming more realistic.

Asked how he felt about becoming an F1 driver as soon as 2025, Antonelli told Motorsport.com: "Some degree of worry I think is always there, the prospect of not being able to perform I think frightens everyone. My approach is to see it as a great opportunity to learn, grow and also enjoy the moment.

"I'm not afraid of being judged, I know Mercedes has a clear opinion about my potential, already this season in F2 the championship didn't kick off in the best way but there were no negative thoughts.

"I am quite calm, if the opportunity presented itself to me I would take it with eagerness and try to make the most of it.

"Recently there has been some pressure on me with all the rumors about next year, but I have always tried to enjoy it. I'm enjoying the opportunities I have," he insisted.

The Mercedes junior driver acknowledged that it would be a challenge to straight into F2, winning everything not being on his agenda.

"I never expected to go straight into F2," he declared. "When they informed me that this was the plan, I thought it would be a big jump, because you usually go to F3 first, but at the same time the challenge was immediately appealing to me.

"I didn't plan on coming to F2 and winning everything, I was always aware that the jump from Formula Regional would be very challenging and I was aware that I had a lot to learn, which I am still doing," he added.

Antonelli reflected on his relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, his biggest supporter, he said: "I am very happy with the relationship I have [with Wolff]. In difficult moments I ask him for advice and he always looks for a way to give me confidence.

"I'll give you an example. After the disappointing qualifying in Silverstone I called him because it was a bit of a tough time. We talked a lot and that conversation gave me back my confidence, and the next day I won and it was really nice to see him under the podium.

"When you go through difficult times, I think you come out stronger in the end, also in terms of attitude. Silverstone and Budapest confirmed it," Antonelli maintained.

As for the potential of replacing a seven-time F1 Champion at Mercedes, he said: "I'm very happy to be considered, but I'm not asking for anything.

"At the moment my goal is to do well in Formula 2, then we'll see. I still see it [F1] as a dream. Yes, I did happen to think about it, but it is a passing thought.

"In all honesty I can tell you that for me today it is still a dream. We'll see if it comes true," Antonelli, who turns 18 over the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, concluded.