In a stunning development, Mercedes has announced that 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton in the 2025 Formula One season, marking a significant change in the team’s lineup. The decision comes just a day after Antonelli’s Formula One debut ended prematurely with a crash during practice at the Italian Grand Prix.
Despite the mishap, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff affirmed that Antonelli’s potential was never in doubt. The young Italian driver, who has been with Mercedes since joining its junior program at the age of 12, has consistently impressed with his talent and speed. Wolff revealed that he had already decided to promote Antonelli to the F1 team five minutes after Hamilton informed him of his departure to Ferrari.
“I made up my mind five minutes after Lewis Hamilton told me that he’s going to Ferrari,” Wolff told reporters at Monza. “Obviously, we were discussing with other options and also kept the Max idea, didn’t discount it completely with looking at what happened at Red Bull. But instinctively, that is the lineup with these two that I always wanted.”
Speculation had been rife about who would step into Hamilton’s shoes, with some even suggesting a move to lure Max Verstappen from Red Bull. However, Wolff remained committed to nurturing homegrown talent, stating that Antonelli was always his preferred choice to partner with George Russell.
Antonelli, who has a history of success in Karting and Formula 4 and made his Formula 2 debut this year, expressed his excitement at the opportunity. He acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead, stating that he didn’t see himself as Hamilton’s replacement but rather as the next Mercedes driver.
“Well, I think it’s not possible to replace Lewis Hamilton,” said Antonelli, who would be the third-youngest driver in F1 history when the 2025 season kicks off in Australia next March. “He’s such a great figure in the sport of today. And he has achieved so much in his career. So I don’t want to see as his replacement. I’m just the next driver for Mercedes in 25. So I’m really excited for that. And he’s a really great guy, he’s been giving me some support. So yeah, really, really happy.”
Antonelli’s much-anticipated first appearance on Friday lasted fewer than two laps, and only 10 minutes, after he lost control of his Mercedes at the Parabolica, spinning off and sliding backward through the gravel into the tire barrier. Despite his early exit from practice, Antonelli showed promise, with Wolff labelling it “astonishing.” The debutant had just set the fastest middle sector of the session and was looking to reclaim the fastest time from Hamilton, who had just beaten Antonelli’s first lap by 0.6 seconds.
Wolff 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. 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 however noted that the Russell-Antonelli pairing was set for 2025, leaving the door open for other possibilities in 2026. He highlighted the importance of seeing how the young driver adapts to the high-pressure environment at Mercedes.
“I don’t flirt outside, I’ve always said it,” Wolff stated. “All of our focus in the team is on George and Kimi. There’s no discussion, there’s no second thoughts about what we’re doing in 2026, because now it’s about 2024 and 2025. And if flirting outside happens, then they will know it at the same time when we have those discussions, I always mean that.”
As the first Italian F1 driver in three years, Antonelli’s promotion has generated significant excitement, particularly in Italy, which has not seen a homegrown F1 champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. The young driver now faces the challenge of living up to the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest champions, with the full support of his team behind him.
Melissa Enoch
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