Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, has decided to leave Mercedes after more than ten years and will drive for Ferrari next season. – Lewis said he felt the need for a change. I can understand him. We knew that signing such a contract could be beneficial for both parties – explained Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss.
Mercedes announces Lewis Hamilton's successor. “Joining F1 was my dream”
Since then, there has been speculation about who will replace the Briton. He himself has pointed to Sebastian Vettel. “I would like Seb to come back. I think it would be the best option for the team,” he said. Some media outlets indicated that Carlos Sainz would leave Ferrari to make room for the 39-year-old.
In the end, another candidate was chosen. On Saturday, Mercedes announced that it will partner with George Russell will be Andrea Kimi Antonelli. – Since I was a little boy, joining F1 has been my dream. I want to thank the team for the support they have given me so far in my career and for the faith they have shown in me. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel I am ready to take advantage of this opportunity. I will focus on improving my results and delivering the best results for the team – said the 18-year-old Italian, quoted by formula1.com. There, the young driver was briefly introduced.
“Antonelli had an excellent junior career and quickly rose through the ranks. After winning the ADAC and Italian F4 titles in 2022 and the regional Formula European Championship in 2023, the junior Mercedes left F3 and entered F2 with PREMA this season. There he won two races and currently ranks sixth in the overall standings. The 18-year-old combined F2 competition with Mercedes' testing programme on old-spec F1 machines,” we read.
Antonelli and Russell have in common that they both trained at Mercedes. Wolff pointed this out. – Our Composition The 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and incredible speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team, both as individual drivers and as partners. This new line-up is perfect to open the next chapter in our history. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in the talent we are nurturing, he said. He had previously been more reserved on the subject. It doesn't mean that Andrea will drive a Mercedes car next year. It might be a bit too early. But in the perspective of 5-10 years I want to have such an option – he claimed some time ago.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli announced as Mercedes driver for 2025 season, barely making F1 training debut
The Italian's announcement as a Mercedes driver came a dozen or so hours after his debut in official F1 training. In Monza, he didn't do too well, although he quickly took the lead, but after a few minutes he lost control of his car and hit the barriers. Nothing happened to him, but red flags appeared on the track.
Qualifying will take place on Saturday afternoon at the Italian track, with the race starting on Sunday, September 1 at 3:00 p.m.