Former F1 TV host Will Buxton likened 19‑year‑old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli to a teenage Lewis Hamilton and a budding Sebastian Vettel during his appearance on the Up To Speed podcast.
Antonelli’s record‑breaking opening
After just five Grand Prix, Antonelli sits atop the drivers’ championship, 43 points clear of teammate George Russell. The Canadian victory made him the first driver ever to claim his initial four races consecutively, adding wins at the Chinese, Japanese and Miami Grands Prix to his résumé.
Buxton’s historic comparison
Buxton noted that Antonelli’s raw racecraft mirrors Hamilton’s 2008 rookie season and Vettel’s early forays, when both displayed “low‑percentage” moves that still succeeded thanks to superior skill. He recalled Mark Webber’s frustration after being taken out by Vettel at Fuji, underscoring how young talent can both shine and stumble. According to Buxton, the “rawness” in Antonelli’s driving promises championship‑level potential.
Team dynamics and emotional stakes
A heated sprint‑race incident saw Antonelli accuse Russell of forcing him off the track, a dispute settled privately before the main event where Russell suffered a battery failure. Buxton highlighted on‑track radio exchanges, pointing out Toto Wolff’s public call to curb driver emotions while privately enjoying the rivalry. He added that sponsors demand restraint, yet the sport thrives on drivers “wearing their hearts on their sleeves,” creating a paradox between expression and control.
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