The Mercedes Team Boss, Toto Wolff, seeks Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. In a shocking turn of events, Hamilton signed a dream contract with Scuderia Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. The Brackley-based outfit, amid an underwhelming season, was struck by the bolt of Hamilton’s departure. The team is struggling to compete in F1 and is yet to finish in the top five. However, their fortune might turn around as the alleged ‘Next Hamilton’ is in readiness to join the team.
Rumors were rife last week that the three-time world champion, Max Verstappen, was in talks with Mercedes. However, in a recent media interaction, Wolff denied all the speculations about the Silver Arrows meeting with Verstappen. Later, he dismissed all the theories of Adrian Newey’s Mercedes transfer. Therefore, the Austrian executive is focused on onboarding the ‘young Italian’ driver. Recently, he requested FIA to accelerate the driver’s route to Formula 1. But who is this young racing prodigy?
The Young Italian Racing Prodigy Tipped To Replace Hamilton
Toto Wolff’s protege, Kimi Antonelli, is set to steer Mercedes wheels. The 17-year-old racing sensation is hailed as the next ‘big thing’ in the Formula One arena. The current Prema racing driver in Formula 2 is the best F3 driver since Max Verstappen. Kimi has been a part of the Mercedes Driving Academy since 2019. However, there is a chance of him replacing William’s driver, Logan Sargeant. William’s driver is struggling with form, thus threatening his place in the team. Kimi might replace the driver by partnering with Alex Albon. Mercedes Boss has lodged a request with FIA to allow Antonelli to make an early debut. The Italian is 17-years-old and by ‘Verstappen law,’ the minimum age to drive in F1 is eighteen. The report suggests that if FIA exempts Kimi, he might get a seat in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Last month, Kimi got his first taste of F1 as he steered the Mercedes W12. However, day one was obstructed by snowfall, whereas day two was much better. Mercedes posted a video of Kimi on their social media account. The Italian expressed joy by saying ‘he enjoyed’ every bit of his F1 outing. Notably, the FIA might give him a clean chit to drive in F1, making him the third youngest F1 driver after Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
Mercedes Set For Season’s First Upgrade Ahead Of Miami GP
Subsequently, Mercedes’s problem list is more expansive than its search for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. The Silver Arrows are struggling to design a competitive car. Despite the technical team’s efforts, they’re far from tackling the aerodynamic issue. Moreover, the Chinese GP was an example of their horrendous run. After the sprint, they made radical changes, putting them on the back foot for the remainder of the weekend.
The Mercedes fortune clock could hit a reset during the Miami GP. The W15 will get its first season upgrade ahead of the Florida event. According to Wolff, the Miami circuit would offer different challenges. However, the team has devised a full-fledged plan to tackle every issue. Thus, it’ll be interesting to see whether Mercedes and Hamilton could make a U-turn to the podium.