Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has delivered a blunt assessment of one rookie driver on the grid this season, calling his performances “pretty average at best” and suggesting the young gun was promoted to the top tier too soon.
Kimi Antonelli, one of the most hyped junior drivers in recent years, has indeed endured a rocky maiden campaign with Mercedes, scoring points just once in the last seven Grands Prix.
While the team itself has suffered a general dip in form, George Russell has consistently – and justifiably – outperformed his teammate, finishing in the top five four times over the same period.
Speaking on The Red Flags podcast, Steiner said Antonelli's rapid elevation to F1 came as a reaction to Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari, rather than part of a well-structured development plan.
“I think there was never a plan to have him in the car this year,” Steiner said. “The plan came when Lewis said, goodbye, ciao ciao. I’m going to Ferrari.
“Then the plan changed because I think the plan for Kimi was to do another year in Formula 2 and come in next year. I think it was a little bit too early.”
Steiner pointed to Antonelli’s emotional state after sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix – where the young Italian appeared teary-eyed – as a worrying sign.
“He’s 18 years old. I hope he is not broken now because he had a pole position, a podium, but the rest of it is pretty average, I would say, at best, what he’s doing compared to his teammate,” Steiner added.
“He was crying there, which is never good because it seems like he lost his confidence. It’s not good, as I say.”
Too Much Pressure
Despite his criticisms, Steiner made it clear he still believes Antonelli has talent – though exactly how much remains to be seen.
“I think he’s a good driver. How good? Only time will tell, but he’s a good driver,” Steiner said. “But being under this pressure, I mean, look at Liam Lawson. When he was at Red Bull, he struggled.
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“He went back to Racing Bulls, he’s doing a lot better now. He’s doing now what you can do in a Racing Bull.
“When you’re in one of these top cars, there is too much pressure on these guys.”
For now, Antonelli’s seat at Mercedes appears secure, especially as Max Verstappen – who had been strongly linked with a shock move to the Brackley squad – is now expected to stay at Red Bull through 2026.
That decision has seemingly closed the door on any sudden shake-ups at Mercedes, giving Antonelli another year to prove himself alongside Russell.
But with Steiner’s comments ringing loud and clear, the pressure is very much on.
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