On Saturday, August 31, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team confirmed seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 driver’s lineup. The British company have signed in Italian teenager, Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement in the side, who will race alongside George Russell.
Notably, Antonelli, who is only 18 years of age, has been picked by Team principal Toto Wolff to step the vacant seat after the seven-time world champion confirmed a move to Ferrari for 2025 season. The team confirmed Antonelli’s signing on Saturday, August 31, with Toto Wolff stating, “Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and out-an-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,” Wolff added. Furthermore, the Silver Arrow Team Principal also hailed Russell, while adding how Kimi has performed over the years. “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 development 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,” Toto Wolff added.
Reaching F1 is a dream: Andrea Kimi Antonelli
The Italian teenager, who has been a product of the Mercedes junior academy expressed his excitement to join Mercedes for the next season and drive alongside George Russell. “It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” said Antonelli.
“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,” he further added. “I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. 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,” Antonelli added.
The announcement was made on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, just a day after Antonelli made his FP1 debut with the team at his home event in Monza.