F1: Mercedes signs Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton replacement

Mercedes has announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 next season. The talented Italian driver had been competing for the seat alongside George Russell, and was awarded the seat despite the team considering other options. Although Antonelli’s Formula 2 season has been tougher than expected, Mercedes remains confident in his abilities. His strong performances in Formula 2 and successful Formula 1 testing have solidified his selection as the team’s driver for 2025. Antonelli crashed after just five laps in the first free practice at Monza, but he quickly recovered and qualified sixth in Formula 2 qualifying later in the day. The team plans to give him another chance to gain Formula 1 experience in future free practice sessions. Antonelli’s rise comes as Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari. Hamilton has reportedly endorsed Antonelli as his preferred successor at Mercedes, as he recognises Antonelli’s pace and potential.

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Toto Wolff said: “Our 2025 driver line-up is a unique combination of experience, talent, youth and outright raw speed. We are excited about the contribution that George and Kimi can bring to the team as individual drivers and partners. Our new line-up is the perfect fit for the next chapter of our story. It is also testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in home-grown talent.”

“George has proven that he is one of the best drivers in the world. Not only is he fast, consistent and determined, he has also become a strong leader within the team. Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed required to compete in our sport. We know this will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in F1 testing this year and we will be supporting him every step of the way as he learns.

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“George is an experienced teammate from whom he can learn a lot and hone his skills. I am sure both of them will make great contributions as we continue to gather strength and compete hard on the court.”

F1: Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is fast becoming a rising star in the world of motorsport. The Italian driver has won several karting championships and has won titles in the top formula series. His victories in the OK-Junior and OK categories in Europe, as well as titles in Italian and ADAC Formula 4 and FRECA, underline his extraordinary talent.

Antonelli’s rise coincided with Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Hamilton publicly backed Antonelli as his ideal successor at Mercedes, acknowledging the young driver’s pace and potential.