Kimi Antonelli Named as Lewis Hamilton’s Successor at Mercedes F1

MONZA, Italy (AP) — Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian prodigy, has been named as the replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the upcoming season. This announcement came shortly after Antonelli’s Formula One debut, which was marred by a crash into the wall during his first practice session.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reassured fans that the crash would not influence the team’s decision on Antonelli’s future. Confirmation of his promotion to partner George Russell was made just before the final practice session at the Italian Grand Prix.

Speculation had been swirling regarding Hamilton’s successor since the seven-time champion declared his move to Ferrari at the end of the season. Names like three-time reigning champion Max Verstappen were considered, but Wolff revealed that Antonelli was always at the forefront of his mind.

Wolff shared his insight on the decision-making process. “I made up my mind five minutes after Lewis Hamilton told me that he’s going to Ferrari,” he said. “We were discussing other options and also kept the Max idea in mind but instinctively, I always wanted this pairing.”

While Antonelli has been confirmed for 2025, the option for Verstappen to join the team the following year remains uncertain. Wolff, when questioned, maintained a level of ambiguity, expressing confidence in the current lineup while emphasizing the importance of how Russell and Antonelli adapt to the pressures of Mercedes.

“I don’t flirt outside, I’ve always said it,” he added. “Our entire focus is on George and Kimi. We’re not distracted by discussions about 2026, as right now it’s about 2024 and 2025.”

Kimi Antonelli’s racing journey includes victories in Karting and Formula 4, and he ventured into Formula 2 this year, where he celebrated two victories. Just days before his F1 debut, he celebrated his 18th birthday, a significant milestone that sets the stage for him to be among the youngest drivers in F1 history when the 2025 season commences in Australia.

“I think it’s impossible to replace Lewis Hamilton,” Antonelli remarked. “He’s a monumental figure in modern racing who has achieved so much throughout his career. I don’t want to view myself as his replacement; I’m just the next driver for Mercedes in 2025.”

Despite the rocky start to his F1 career, with his debut lasting less than two laps, there were hints of promise. Antonelli lost control of his Mercedes at the Parabolica corner, causing him to spin out and crash into the tire barrier, which ended his session prematurely.

In the brief time he spent on the track, Wolff noted Antonelli’s potential, describing his performance as “astonishing.” He had set the fastest middle sector of the session and was looking to outpace Hamilton before the unfortunate incident occurred.

Wolff expressed enthusiasm about the new driver lineup, stating, “Our new lineup is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It showcases the strength of our junior program and our commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.”

He continued to praise Antonelli, acknowledging the significant leap he would have to take in joining F1 but also recognizing his impressive testing results this year. “We will support him every step of the way in the learning process,” Wolff added.

Antipcipation was high at Monza as fans yearned for an Italian driver to grace the F1 circuit. It has been three years since the last Italian driver participated in F1 and even longer since the nation celebrated a title, with the last Italian champion being the legendary Alberto Ascari in 1953.

As Antonelli steps into the spotlight, both he and the team are poised for a challenging yet exciting journey ahead.

Source: AP