Following his Formula One debut at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, 18-year-old Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has been announced as Lewis Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 season. Antonelli, who took over for George Russell in the opening practice session, unfortunately crashed his Mercedes into the wall after just two laps, ending his debut prematurely.
Despite the crash, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confidence in Antonelli's abilities, stating that the incident would not impact his future in F1. Antonelli, who has been part of the Mercedes junior program since the age of 12, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to join the team as a works driver alongside George Russell.
Having achieved success in Karting and Formula 4, Antonelli made the leap to F2 this year, winning two races. His brief appearance on the track during the Italian Grand Prix weekend showed promise, with Wolff praising his performance as 'astonishing.'
Antonelli's crash occurred as he attempted to set a fast lap time, following a strong initial showing. Despite the setback, Mercedes remains confident in his potential and is committed to supporting him in his development as an F1 driver.
The announcement of Antonelli as Hamilton's replacement marks a significant moment for the Mercedes team, highlighting their commitment to nurturing young talent through their junior program. The move also signals a new chapter for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Excitement has been building in Monza over the prospect of having an Italian F1 driver, with Antonelli's elevation adding to the anticipation. Italy has a rich history in F1, with the last Italian champion being Alberto Ascari in 1953.
With Antonelli set to make his mark in F1 next year, the stage is set for an exciting new era at Mercedes as they continue to invest in young talent and strive for success in the sport.
