Lewis Hamilton’s decision to part ways with Mercedes after a decade of glory has sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock. The Briton is set to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, a move that has thrilled the Tifosi but left a significant gap in the Brackley-based team’s lineup. Mercedes is now tasked with finding a replacement for the seven-time world champion.
Although several contenders were considered, team principal Toto Wolff was determined to secure the best possible driver for the second seat. After much deliberation, the team is set to reveal Hamilton’s replacement, a driver expected to be his heir apparent and a personal favorite of Wolff’s.
Antonelli Eligible For F1 Debut As Mercedes Ready To Sign The Protege
Kimi Antonelli, the teenage sensation, is ready to step up in the F1 world. The Silver Arrows will give him the first run in a contemporary F1 car. Italian media reported that Kimi will drive the Mercedes F1 racing machine during the Italian GP FP1 session. According to FIA rules implemented in 2022, a team must place a rookie twice a year during the FP1 session. The Mercedes squad selected Nyck de Vries and Fredrik Vesti in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, while Vesti is in a sports car program, de Vries is no longer eligible. Consequently, Motorsport Italia revealed Kimi Antonelli will drive in the FP session. On the other hand, when a Mercedes spokesperson asked for details, they refused to give away any information.
Previously, the Italian outlet Autosprint reported that Kimi Antonelli is set to replace Lewis Hamilton. The official “hand-over” ceremony is expected to take place during the Italian GP weekend. Antonelli, a young Italian prodigy, has made a name for himself in the current F2 season. Highly praised by Toto Wolff, Kimi has been a part of the Mercedes driver program since the early stages of his racing career. Skipping F3 due to his exceptional talent, the Prema racing driver has also played a key role in Mercedes’ testing, driving previous F1 cars at tracks like Imola, Red Bull Racing Ring, and Spa.
The Future ‘Hamilton’ Opens Up About Pressure-Handling Ahead Of F1 Debu
During a recent interview, Antonelli admitted that it’s natural to feel some anxiety, particularly with the fear of underperforming. However, he sees this pressure as a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and savor the experience. He pointed out that he isn’t worried about being judged since Mercedes already holds a positive view of his capabilities, even after a somewhat challenging start to his Formula 2 season.
He also shared his amazement at the level of attention and support he receives at the track, with a dedicated team of engineers and mechanics focused solely on his car. The Italian prodigy highlighted the importance of clear communication and providing detailed feedback to the team—a skill that took time to develop but now comes instinctively to him.
