Andrea Kimi Antonelli has insisted that he is “not worried” that he could lose his seat with Mercedes in Formula 1 amid the team’s ongoing talks with Max Verstappen.
As it stands, Antonelli, along with team-mate George Russell, is still waiting to put pen to paper on a deal to remain with the German marque past the ongoing season.
But while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff pledged his commitment to the duo, the revelation that he is engaged in discussions with Verstappen has thrown that into doubt.
Russell’s claim in the build-up to last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix preceded reports in the Italian media that Verstappen is in “concrete negotiations” with Mercedes.
However, Antonelli intimated that perhaps it is could be himself that it more likely to stay, discussing the team’s likely plan to look beyond the short-term.
“I mean, obviously, there’s a lot going on, but I’m sure the team is doing their best to provide the best for the future as well,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“Because, obviously, they’re not looking only for next year, but they’re looking as well for the future.
“So, obviously, there’s a lot going on, but a lot of talks. But my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what.”
Loyal Antonelli insists ‘no talks’ with other teams
Antonelli was asked if he had spoken to other teams as a backup, in case the team pivots for a Russell-Verstappen pairing, citing loyalty to Mercedes.
“No, no, no. I got this opportunity from Mercedes and there’s no talks with anyone else going on,” he said.
“I’m very happy where I am. And I’m also quite sure with the team and also what they want from me.
“So I think, you know, now in my case I need to just do my best, minimise all the mistakes and then try to deliver the best job as possible.
“But I know the team has a lot of trust in me and so, yeah, I’m not really worried.”
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