Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been selected to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes starting from 2025. Antonelli, who just turned 18, will partner with George Russell as he takes on the challenge of stepping in for the iconic Hamilton. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff made the decision to promote Antonelli from Formula Two shortly after Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari. The team sees the new pairing as the future of Mercedes, even though Antonelli’s contract length was not disclosed. Wolff did not rule out the possibility of pursuing Max Verstappen from Red Bull for the 2026 season.
Antonelli’s first F1 drive at the Italian Grand Prix ended abruptly when he crashed into the trackside barriers during practice. Despite the incident, Mercedes plans to give him another opportunity to drive at the Mexican GP later in the year. Antonelli has had a successful youth career, winning multiple championships on his way to F2 racing for Prema Racing. Italian fans are hopeful that Antonelli can bring glory back to their country in Formula One, as Italy has not had a GP winner since 2006.
Mercedes had a strong start to the race weekend in Monza with Hamilton and Russell posting the fastest times in free practice ahead of qualifying. Hamilton edged out Russell by 0.093 seconds, while also outpacing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.109 seconds. The team is optimistic about their performance, despite the upcoming challenge of replacing Hamilton with a relatively inexperienced driver like Antonelli. The focus for Mercedes remains on the current season, with Wolff emphasizing that any decisions about 2026 will be made at the appropriate time.
Italian media has been buzzing with excitement over Antonelli’s promotion to Mercedes and the possibility of him becoming a national hero in F1. The teenager remains humble about his new role, recognizing the legacy left by Hamilton but viewing himself as the next driver for Mercedes in the upcoming season. With a few rounds left in the F2 championship, Antonelli will aim to continue his progress and build on his recent success with hopes of securing solid results in his debut season in F1. The Italian Grand Prix will serve as a test for Antonelli as he prepares to take on the challenges of racing in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Overall, Mercedes is looking towards the future with a new driver lineup that represents a shift in the team’s dynamics following Hamilton’s departure. Antonelli’s crash during practice served as a learning experience for the young driver as he adjusts to the demands of F1 racing. The team remains supportive of Antonelli and believes in his potential to make a significant impact in the sport. With Hamilton moving on to a new challenge at Ferrari, the focus for Mercedes is on maximizing the remaining season and preparing for a fresh start with a young driver like Antonelli. The Italian Grand Prix will set the stage for the next chapter in Mercedes’ F1 journey with a new face behind the wheel.
