Lewis Hamilton’s replacement confirmed by Mercedes as Max Verstappen saga finally ends | F1 | Sport
Mercedes have confirmed the signing of Kimi Antonelli on a multi-year deal. The 18-year-old will replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton from 2025 onwards after Toto Wolff missed out on the capture of Max Verstappen.
Antonelli’s rise to F1 has been nothing short of astounding. The Italian starlet jumped from Formula Regional cars into Formula Two over the winter and after recording two impressive victories, has been promoted onto the grid for 2025 and beyond.
He will be partnered by George Russell, who will be tasked with showing the 18-year-old the ropes at Brackley while stepping up to replace Hamilton in the team leader role.
“I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025,” Russell told the team’s official website. “His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. 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.”
Wolff’s interest in Verstappen almost denied Antonelli the chance to make the step up, but Mercedes decided to abandon their pursuit of the reigning world champion after meeting with his management team earlier this summer.
Antonelli himself has described his promotion as a ‘dream’, having been selected to fill one of the sport’s most coveted seats, which should allow him to fight for Grand Prix victories from the word go.
“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 am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity.
“George 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.”
Wolff had the unenviable task of replacing Hamilton, who has won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes and taken his total number of Grand Prix victories to over a century during his time with the Silver Arrows.
But the team principal is feeling optimistic about what lies ahead. “Our new line-up is perfect to open the next chapter in our story,” he said. “It is also a testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in home-grown talent.
“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.”
