Tempering expectations, Kimi Antonelli said he is simply a new Mercedes driver when asked if he is ready to replace Lewis Hamilton

Andrea Kimi Antonelli was more nervous than he had been for some time. A racing driver’s career can often hinge on sliding doors moments such as these. The 18-year-old wasn’t trying to secure a Formula One drive. He completed that mission months ago when he signed with Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton.

The Italian driver in the form of Kimi Antonelli has admitted that there is a realization that he is replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes which is not only a privilege but a responsibility too.

Mercedes fans have been accustomed to seeing the 44 of Lewis Hamilton alongside George Russell's 63 on their cars, but with a new driver in Kimi Antonelli comes a new racing number

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who replaces Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, has opened up on his debut season in Formula 1, revealing his realistic mindset for the start of