Worst kept secret? Mercedes has finally confirmed Antonelli
The Mercedes Formula 1 team has finally confirmed that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton and race for the Brackley team in 2025.
The 18-year-old made his public debut with the team in George Russell’s car in FP1 at Monza on Friday, crashing heavily after putting in what Wolff called an “astonishing” performance on his brief appearance.
He is also set to drive Hamilton’s W15 in FP1 in Mexico City before doing the Abu Dhabi rookie test – and possibly the rookie sprint event if it happens – at the end of the year.
Antonelli has been conducting an extensive programme of TPC running with a two-year-old car alongside his F2 campaign with Prema.
Wolff faces a potential headache in the next couple of years as he is still determined to tempt Max Verstappen away from Red Bull, while already having Russell and Antonelli signed up. It mirrors the situation Fred Vasseur faced at Ferrari when he had to drop Carlos Sainz to make way for Lewis Hamilton.
Intriguingly today’s announcement only specifies 2025.
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 programme and our belief in home-grown talent.
“George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but 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. 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.”
Antonelli now has a remarkable opportunity to step into a car that could potentially challenge for the title.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” he said. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me.
“I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.
“I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for. He is super-fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track.”
Russell added: “I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme.
“I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1. I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his team-mate. I’ve learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi.
“As a team, we’re building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year. We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships. It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing.”
Adam Cooper F1 