Mercedes has been looking at the Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton since the beginning of the season. It was a big shock when the seven-time champion announced his departure early in 2024. But the great Briton thought it was high time he made some significant change as he had been winless for over two years and was not getting any younger. When he starts racing for the Prancing Horse, Hamilton will turn 40. However, like Fernando Alonso, the two-time champion, Hamilton would also like to prove that age is not a limit to starting fresh as an F1 racer. Perhaps collaborating with the most successful F1 team can bring more success to his illustrious career.
But on the other hand, Mercedes will have to find a suitable replacement for the legendary champion. Previously, they were talking to Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen if they could replace Hamilton at the German outfit. Then, Toto Wolff may have spoken to the four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and asked him if there was a possibility of coming out of retirement. However, when the multiple-time champion drivers did not respond positively, the team boss decided to show faith in the 18-year-old Italian prodigy.
Finally, Mercedes Confirmed Replacement For Lewis Hamilton
Next year, fans will see the seven-time champion race for the iconic Italian team. Everybody in the Formula 1 world has been waiting for that collaboration. However, it has been an emotional phase for the Silver Arrows as Lewis Hamilton will be leaving them at the end of this year. Moreover, the pressure of finding a suitable replacement for the great Briton was getting higher. Finally, the German outfit announced that the teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace the seven-time champion. Next year, George Russell will have new teammate, and that’s the F2 sensation.
After the confirmation of the Mercedes seat for the 2025 season, as per PlanetF1.com, Antonelli mentioned, “It is an amazing feeling to know that I will be driving for the Silver Arrows alongside George Russell.” He said that reaching F1 was a dream he had since he was a small boy. Adding to that, the Italian racer thanked Mercedes for showing faith in him and for all the support they have given him in his career so far. On top of that, Antonelli feels he is still learning a lot. But he feels ready for this amazing opportunity. The 18-year-old sensation makes kind of a promise, saying, “I will focus on keep improving and delivering the best results possible that he can do for the team.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Excited To Be Teammates With George Russell
According to reports, the teenage sensation mentioned that he feels excited to become George Russell’s teammate. Moreover, Kimi said Russell, too, came through the team’s junior program like himself. He says he has a lot of respect for his 2025 teammate. Antonelli praises Russell for being a multiple Grand Prix winner and being super fast. He credits George for helping him become a better driver.
Moreover, the 18-year-old prodigy aims to learn a lot more from his future teammates and work together to deliver on track. Lately, Antonelli made his F1 debut during the FP1 at Monza, the Italian Grand Prix. It did not end well for him because of a second-lap crash that ruined his solid opening-lap start.
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