Mercedes has announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 next season. The talented Italian driver, who has been a top contender for the seat alongside George Russell, secured the spot despite the team considering other options. Although Antonelli's Formula 2 season has been tougher than expected, Mercedes remains confident in his abilities. His strong F2 performances and successful F1 test sessions solidified his place as the team's choice for 2025. Antonelli crashed during his first FP1 session at Monza after just five laps, but he quickly recovered, qualifying sixth in F2 later that day. The team plans to give him another chance to gain F1 experience in a future FP1 session. Antonelli's rise comes as Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari. Hamilton has reportedly endorsed Antonelli as his preferred successor to him at Mercedes, recognising his speed and potential.
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Toto Wolff said, 'Our 2025 driver line-up 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 line-up 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.
'George has proven that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but he 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.
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'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.'
F1: Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is quickly becoming a rising star in motorsport. The Italian driver has won many karting championships and claimed victories in the top Formula series. His European titles in the OK-Junior and OK categories, along with championships in Italian and ADAC Formula 4 and FRECA, are a testament to his exceptional talent.
Antonelli's rise aligns with Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari. Hamilton has publicly supported Antonelli as his ideal successor at Mercedes, acknowledging the young driver's impressive speed and potential.
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