Will Mercedes' Teen Ace Kimi Antonelli Live Up To The Hype?

All eyes will be on Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Mercedes Formula One driver, when the lights go out at Albert Park in Melbourne in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.

The young Italian has been under the spotlight since he was signed as the replacement for seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who has joined Ferrari.

It is the kind of attention last seen when Max Verstappen burst onto the F1 scene as a 17-year-old in 2015. The Red Bull driver has gone on to win four drivers championships, including last seasons.

Antonellis comments have only served to fuel the anticipation.

I will attack fully from the start, my mindset is to go out on the track and drive for victories, he told in pre-season.