The biggest question currently puzzling F1 fans is Mercedes’ driver lineup for the 2025 season. With Lewis Hamilton concluding his 11-year tenure, the Silver Arrows are searching for a worthy successor. Replacing a seven-time world champion is no small feat, leaving Mercedes with numerous challenges to address. While the team seems uncertain about the second driver for 2025, the decision has reportedly already been made.
According to various reports, Mercedes is set to select the “next Hamilton” to team up with George Russell. The official announcement is eagerly anticipated and likely coincides with the Italian GP, where a formal “handover ceremony” is expected. Recently, Toto Wolff inadvertently let the news slip during a media interaction. But now he has confirmed Antonelli as Mercedes driver for FP1 in Monza.
Antonelli To Get F1 Practice As Birthday Present From Mercedes
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently shared significant updates regarding Kimi Antonelli’s Formula One career. Wolff confirmed that the young Italian driver, who turned 18 just this past Sunday, will make his Formula One practice debut at the Monza Grand Prix next Friday. The Italian prodigy, who has been closely associated with Mercedes since he was a young go-kart driver, is set to replace Lewis Hamilton when the seven-time world champion transitions to Ferrari at the end of the season.
Moreover, the Austrian executive expressed pride in Antonelli’s journey, highlighting the emotional significance of seeing the Italian driver take the wheel in front of his home crowd at Monza. Despite recent speculation, Wolff dismissed the possibility of Antonelli racing this season, specifically with Mercedes-powered Williams. Instead, the team has opted to stick with their original plan, allowing Antonelli to continue his development without any disruptions.
Meanwhile, Wolff also discussed Mick Schumacher’s potential return to Formula One. Schumacher, Mercedes’ reserve driver, is being considered for a spot with Williams. Wolff emphasized that Schumacher deserves a chance to prove himself, and the team would fully support such an opportunity.
Toto Wolff Unkowingly Confirms Antonelli As Mercedes Driver For 2025
In a recent report by De Telegraaf, Dutch journalist Erik van Haren revealed that Kimi Antonelli is poised to wear the iconic black-grey racing suit for Mercedes. According to van Haren, Toto Wolff inadvertently let slip during a media interaction, naming Russell and Antonelli as Mercedes’ drivers for the 2025 season. As van Haren reported, Wolff’s comments were: “The two drivers in our car next year have our full support. I want to make it work with George and Kimi.”