Antonelli doesn't want to get his hopes up for the 2025 season: "I have to be realistic"

Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his F1 debut for Mercedes in less than a month, but how the 2025 season will go for Mercedes is a big question mark.

The young Italian driver is trying to temper his expectations even though he has a hunger for success mentally ahead of the season.

Ahead of the F1 75 Live event, Antonelli was asked how he expects the 2025 season to go for him and Mercedes.

"I don't have very high expectations, honestly. What I really try to do is focus on the process and also try to enjoy it," Antonelli said.

But that doesn’t stop Antonelli from keeping his competitive spirit and desire to win alive:

“One of the things I definitely want to do is start with a good pace, build on that foundation and continue steadily. Of course my mentality will always be the same, we will go out there and try to win and do the best job possible.”

However, considering how close the teams at the top will be, achieving good results will not be easy, and Antonelli is aware of this:

"But at the same time you have to be realistic because I know the level is incredibly high. So I'll try to focus on myself, focus on working well with George and the team and then we'll see where we are."

Mercedes will struggle not only with their rivals but also with the problems they have in fully interpreting the current ground effect rules, which has been one of the main reasons they have not been able to consistently secure a place in the championship race since 2021.

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo: Getty Images