Mercedes Promotes Young Star Antonelli to F1 Team for 2025

Kimi Antonelli became part of the Mercedes youth program when he was 11 years old.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has high expectations for 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli who will replace Lewis Hamilton in the team next season. Antonelli, who has been a Mercedes protégé since he was 11 will partner George Russell, forming a lineup that Wolff describes as “two drivers who are very extraordinary.” The Italian teenager made headlines with a heavy crash during practice at the Italian Grand Prix but has been fast-tracked to F1 after just one season in Formula 2.

Wolff is confident in Antonelli’s potential, noting his exceptional karting career which he compares to that of Max Verstappen. Despite the high praise, Wolff acknowledges that Antonelli will need time to adapt to F1 and expects him to make mistakes as he learns the complexities of the sport. He anticipates a mix of strong performances and early challenges with Antonelli likely facing a steep learning curve in matching Russell who Wolff considers “one of the very best drivers in the world.”

Antonelli expressed his excitement about the promotion, calling it the fulfillment of a childhood dream. To prepare him for F1, Mercedes has put Antonelli through an extensive testing program with former cars which will continue throughout the year. Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari next season has endorsed Antonelli as his successor, calling him “one of those super-talent kids” with a bright future in F1.

While Wolff doesn’t expect Antonelli to match Russell’s performance level in his first season, he is hopeful that the young driver’s ability and speed will make him a strong asset for the team in the long term.