The Italian GP was filled with excitement and thrills. The fans were electrified as the home team won. Meanwhile, the Mercedes team made a much-anticipated announcement about its future driver. Reports of Kimi Antonelli getting an F1 contract were all over the paddock. Thus, it was expected that the Silver Arrows would hold the official ‘handover’ ceremony in Monza. It all started in February when Lewis Hamilton decided to move to the Maranello squad.
Kimi Antonelli has been the top name for replacing Hamilton. The youngster has performed exceptionally in the ongoing F2 season. On the other hand, the seven-time world champion has won two races in the 2024 season after recovering from a slump. As Hamilton gets ready for the swap, he shared an emotional moment after the official announcement during the Monza weekend.
Kimi Antonelli Officially Takes Lewis Hamilton’s Seat
When Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, he was a young, talented driver with endless potential. After eleven years, the Briton celebrated the most successful stint in motorsport history, achieving sheer domination. The 39-year-old won six Drivers’ World Titles and 83 races in the Silver racing suit. However, starting in 2025, his racing suit will be colored red-yellow, while Antonelli will replace him in the Brackley-based outfit. The team announced Kimi’s arrival in the squad, as he will partner up with George Russell.
The iconic racer shared how the announcement of Kimi Antonelli as his successor became surreal despite knowing in advance that it was coming. Hamilton described waking up on the announcement day with a strong sense of the moment’s significance. Although he had been aware of the impending change, the reality of officially losing his seat after holding onto it for so long hit him hard. This realization stirred a mix of emotions in him, but he expressed genuine happiness for Antonelli and the Mercedes team, confident that the young driver would excel in his new role.
Moreover, Hamilton praised Antonelli for his talent and strong support system, believing that these qualities would serve him well as he begins his rookie F1 season with a race-winning team. Reflecting on the season, the Briton acknowledged that the emotions tied to his departure had been present throughout the year.
Hamilton Wants To Improve His ‘One Lap’ Performance In The Final Races With Mercedes
Every race has taken on a deeper meaning for him, knowing it might be his last time competing at that particular event in a Mercedes car. This thought has made each race increasingly emotional as he nears the end of his journey with the team he deeply loves and has shared countless experiences with.
Hamilton’s primary goal for the remainder of the season is to rediscover his one-lap performance in qualifying, which has been lacking this year. While his race pace remains strong, he is determined to find his former self in qualifying to help the team finish the season on a high note.