Toto Wolff Confirms Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement at Mercedes

During the Grand Prix of Italy, young 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli made his F1 debut with Mercedes, showcasing impressive speed on the Monza track. However, Antonelli’s session ended prematurely as he crashed his Mercedes during FP1 at Parabolica.

Despite the setback, team principal Toto Wolff continued to show faith in Antonelli, announcing his signing on Saturday. Wolff revealed that the decision had been made shortly after Lewis Hamilton informed him of his departure to Ferrari. Wolff also mentioned considering Max Verstappen but ultimately chose Antonelli alongside George Russell for 2025.

Antonelli’s rapid rise through the junior ranks, skipping Formula 3 and moving directly to Formula 2 where he won races at Silverstone and Hungary, solidified Wolff’s confidence in him. Wolff emphasized that both Russell and Antonelli are the future of Mercedes, with contracts extending beyond 2025.

Wolff expressed the team’s belief that Russell and Antonelli are the best choice for Mercedes, highlighting their faith and confidence in the young drivers. Discussions about the terms of their contracts are ongoing, but Wolff reiterated that the team is fully committed to their new lineup.

This strategic move by Mercedes signals a shift in their driver lineup for the upcoming season, with Antonelli stepping into the shoes of the departing Hamilton. For more information, visit the source link.