Mercedes has announced that 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton in its Formula 1 driver line-up for the 2025 season. The Italian driver, currently competing in Formula 2 with Prema Racing, will team up with George Russell as Hamilton prepares to move to Ferrari.
Antonelli, who impressed with a sprint and feature race win in Formula 2 this year, expressed his excitement at the opportunity: “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid… I’m still learning a lot, but I feel ready to seize this opportunity,” he said in a statement. “I’m also very excited to become George’s teammate. He’s been through the team’s junior programme like me and is someone I have huge respect for… I look forward to learning from him and working with him to achieve success on track.”
Russell also welcomed the news, acknowledging the support he has received from Hamilton and expressing his desire to provide similar advice to Antonelli: « I know how much Lewis has supported me throughout my junior racing career and since I’ve been his team-mate. I’ve learned a lot from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi, » he said.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli’s talent and speed, highlighting the young driver’s potential: « Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the highest level of our sport, » he said. « We know this will be another big step up, but he impressed us in his F1 testing this year… He has an experienced team-mate in George from whom he can learn and hone his craft. »
The announcement marks a significant change for Mercedes, which will enter a new era with a young and promising driver duo.
