Eddie Jordan believes Mercedes ought to have positioned Andrea Kimi Antonelli in a midfield group quite than selling him instantly as Lewis Hamilton’s substitute for the 2025 F1 season.
Antonelli was introduced as a Mercedes driver throughout the Italian Grand Prix weekend, the place it was confirmed he would group up with George Russell for subsequent 12 months.
This resolution means Antonelli will make his F1 debut in 2025 at simply 18 years previous, giving him the chance to doubtlessly turn into the game’s youngest race winner when the brand new marketing campaign kicks off.
Mercedes had thought-about extra skilled choices, comparable to Carlos Sainz, whereas in addition they waited to listen to about Max Verstappen’s future earlier than selecting Antonelli.
Talking on the newest episode of the Components for Success podcast, Jordan, the previous proprietor of the Jordan GP F1 group, questioned Mercedes’ resolution concerning Antonelli.
“We at all times stated that I believed the strain of Mercedes could be an excessive amount of for Kimi and his debut, and his first run,” Jordan stated.
“It turned out the best way it was. He spun out, it induced a variety of injury to the automotive. I nonetheless imagine there’s a spot for Kimi however not in Mercedes – that’s the purpose I’ll make. I don’t care how fast he’s.
“He must be positioned someplace which can give Toto and the group to be taught for the 12 months and are available up that means. That’s my view on it.”
Co-host David Coulthard referenced Verstappen’s F1 profession, which began at Toro Rosso in 2015 earlier than shifting as much as Crimson Bull.
Jordan steered that Mercedes ought to have taken the same strategy with Antonelli
“That’s precisely what ought to occur,” Jordan added. “Max was in Toro Rosso. Kimi Antonelli, he must be in Williams the place Toto can place him. It’s what we’ve been saying for ages.
“Bear in mind what Bernie Ecclestone at all times used to say if you go on the lookout for cash or something you want. He says ‘earn the precise’ that’s all he’d say. ‘Earn the precise to ask’.
“For the time being, I don’t see how Antonelli has earned the precise, not but. Doesn’t give me that issue of complete perception. I’m sorry guys.”
