Antonelli sets striking target for rookie F1 season with Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli has set a goal of winning multiple grands prix during his maiden F1 season next year.

Mercedes has chosen the 18-year-old to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is departing the team to start a new chapter of his career at Ferrari in 2025.

Antonelli made his FP1 debut with Mercedes at Monza last month but crashed in the opening minutes of the session.

The Italian has been taking part in a series of private tests with the Brackley-based squad ahead of his switch to full-time F1 competition next year.

Despite his mistake during his initial practice outing, Antonelli does not believe his F1 debut is coming too soon.

"I feel ready for F1,” Antonelli told Gazzetta dello Sport. “In terms of speed, I think it won't be a problem. 

“The only thing where there will be a lot of work to do is how to manage the weekend in the best possible way and to learn all the procedures. So, there will be a lot of things to learn.”

Mercedes has won three races so far this campaign and is aiming for a greater step forward in next year's campaign.

Despite his lack of F1 race weekend experience, Antonelli has detailed his desire to end his rookie season with multiple wins added to his resumé.

“Definitely winning some races [next year] would be a dream,” he said. “It won't be easy, because all the teams will have a competitive car, so it will be very difficult, but this is the target.

“Some podiums would also be good, but the main goal is to bring home some wins.”