Source – Formula1.com
The Italian, who is moving up from Formula 2 to replace Lewis Hamilton, has signed on with Mercedes as George Russell’s teammate for 2025.
In a dramatic twist of fate, the Silver Arrows have officially confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season, marking the dawn of a new era for Mercedes. The announcement, made on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, comes hot on the heels of Antonelli’s impressive FP1 debut at his home circuit in Monza, a momentous occasion that underscores the team’s confidence in their young prodigy.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and a legend of the sport, had previously informed Mercedes of his decision to leave the team at the end of the season, joining Ferrari for what could be the final chapter of his illustrious career. The news left a void at Mercedes, with speculation rife about who would step into the Briton’s shoes. Now, the wait is over, and the team has placed its faith in an 18-year-old sensation with a meteoric rise through the junior ranks.
Kimi Antonelli’s journey to F1 has been nothing short of remarkable. His rise began with back-to-back titles in ADAC and Italian F4 in 2022, followed by a commanding performance in the Formula Regional European Championship in 2023. Skipping F3 entirely, Antonelli made the bold leap to F2 with PREMA this season, where he has already claimed two victories and currently sits sixth in the championship standings. His swift progress has been matched by a rigorous testing program with Mercedes, where he’s been honing his skills in older-spec F1 machinery.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” Antonelli beamed after the official confirmation. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.”
Antonelli’s excitement to partner with George Russell, who will enter his fourth season with Mercedes in 2025, is palpable. “I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior program just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for. He is super-fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track.”
The announcement signals a significant shift in Mercedes’ strategy, as they prepare for life after Hamilton. Both drivers in their 2025 lineup will be products of the Mercedes junior program, a testament to the team’s commitment to nurturing home-grown talent. Russell, who joined Mercedes’ junior squad in 2017, has already established himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars, and his partnership with Antonelli promises to be a formidable one.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed his confidence in the new lineup, highlighting the perfect blend of experience, talent, and youth. “Our 2025 driver lineup combines experience, talent, youth, and out-and-out raw speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership. Our new lineup is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior program and our belief in home-grown talent.”
Wolff continued, praising both Russell and Antonelli: “George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but has also developed into a strong leader within the team. Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year, and we will be supporting him every step of the way in the learning process.”
The Austrian also emphasized the unique opportunity for Antonelli to learn from his experienced teammate. “In George, he has an experienced team-mate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.”
Russell, who recently extended his contract with Mercedes until the end of 2025, shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership. “I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior program. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.”
Reflecting on his own rise through the ranks, Russell added, “I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his teammate. I’ve learned so much from him, and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi. As a team, we’re building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year. We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships. It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing.”
Despite the excitement surrounding his promotion, Antonelli’s debut FP1 session at Monza was not without its challenges. After just five laps, the young Italian suffered a crash, a tough lesson in the unforgiving world of Formula 1. However, in a display of resilience, Antonelli bounced back later that day, qualifying sixth for the F2 race. Mercedes has hinted that Antonelli will get another opportunity to drive in FP1 later this season, potentially in Mexico, as they continue to prepare him for the big leap to F1.
As Mercedes turns the page on the Hamilton era, all eyes will be on the young Italian as he takes up the mantle of leading the team into the future. Antonelli’s journey has been one of rapid ascent, and with the full support of Mercedes behind him, the sky’s the limit for this rising star.
