Mercedes has announced the signing of rookie Like Antonelli as a teammate of George Russell by 2025. The Italian driver, who has just turned 18, comes from the Formula 2 to replace Lewis Hamiltonwhich will go to Ferrari at the end of the season.
The news came on the eve of Italian Grand Prixa day after Antonelli made his debut in the category in Free Practice 1 in MonzaHis fleeting career, with several titles in lower categories, led him to skip F3 and move this season to F2, with ACCORDING TOhaving won two races and currently sitting sixth in the championship.
“Coming to F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a little boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the trust they’ve shown in me. I’m still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I’ll be focused on improving and delivering the best possible results for the team,” said Antonelli after the news was announced.
Antonelli follows in the footsteps of his new teammate Russell, who also graduated from the Mercedes junior programme before becoming a factory driver for the team. The Briton, who joined the junior team in 2017 and is under contract until the end of 2025, will be entering his fourth season with the Silver Arrows.
Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolffsaid: “Our driver line-up for 2025 combines experience, talent, youth and pure speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team, both as individual drivers and as a team.” He added: “Our new line-up is perfect for opening the next chapter in our history. It is also a testament to the strength of our youth programme and our belief in local talent.”
Big boots to fill.
Kimi Antonelli follows in the footsteps of Formula 1 royalty at Mercedes 👑 pic.twitter.com/42k2JY1kjA
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 31, 2024
Russell also had a few words of welcome to his new teammate: “I hope to be able to use the experience I have gained on my own journey to guide Kimi in his move to F1. I know how much Lewis supported me during my time as a junior driver and since I have been his teammate. I have learned a lot from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi.”
Antonelli crashed into the wall in his first Free Practice at Monza after just five laps, but recovered to qualify sixth in F2 just a couple of hours later. The Italian is expected to get another crack at Mercedes in another Free Practice this year, with the team considering doing so in Mexico.
This is the Formula 1 grid for 2025
The picture for the driver grid for Formula 1 in 2025 is clearing up. There will be many changes for next year, with important moves such as the aforementioned Hamilton to Ferrari or the Spaniard Carlos Sainz a Williams.
As the 2024 World Championship draws to a close, there are few doubts left as to which drivers will be racing next year. There are only two seats available, which correspond to Stake F1 the team already RB.
STUDHOOD
PILOT
PILOT
Stake F1 Team
Nico Hulkenberg
Alpine
Pierre Gasly Jack Doohan
Visa CashApp RB
Yuki Tsunoda
Aston Martin
Lance Stroll
Fernando Alonso
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton
Haas
Oliver Bearman
Esteban Ocon
McLaren
Lando Norris Oscar Piastri
Mercedes
George Russell
Kimi Antonelli
Red Bull
Max Verstappen Checo Perez
Williams
Alex Albon
Carlos Sainz
