Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace a legend, taking the spot of Lewis Hamilton in the F1 lineup for Mercedes next season.
The team announced Saturday that Antonelli, 18, will be promoted from the F2 circuit and team with George Russell in 2025.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, previously announced he will join Ferrari at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The news comes the day before the Italian Grand Prix.
On Friday on the course in Monza, Antonelli drove Russell’s car in a practice run but lasted only five laps before spinning out and into the barrier. That had no effect on the decision of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, to add the teenager to the team.
“Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year and we will be supporting him every step of the way in the learning process,” Wolff said. “In George, he has an experienced teammate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.”
Wolff said Russell and Antonelli will be a solid pairing.
“Our 2025 driver lineup combines experience, talent, youth and out-and-out raw speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership,” he said.
“Our new lineup is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior program and our belief in homegrown talent.”
Antonelli has won two races this season and is seventh in the F2 standings.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” he said. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.”
Hamilton weighed in on the issue of his replacement in May. In response to a question at an Emilia Romagna Grand Prix press conference, Hamilton said, “Honestly, I have no idea what Toto’s plans are, but for me, taking on a youngster, if it was my job, if it was my role, I would probably take on Kimi.”
Mercedes is in fourth place in the constructor standings this season, with Hamilton in sixth and Russell in eighth place in the driver standings.
–Field Level Media
