Formula1 Report: Mercedes has announced that Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli as replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton…
Antonelli confirms car number he wants to use for start of Formula 1 career
9 hours ago
MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 29: Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes has a seat fitting in the
Kimi Antonelli has confirmed the car number he would like to use when his Formula 1 career officially begins in 2025, subject to approval from the FIA.
Antonelli was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s future replacement at Mercedes during last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, where the home driver also made his FP1 debut.
During a press conference in the Monza paddock, the 18-year-old fielded a host of questions from the media about his promotion, including one about the number that will be placed on his car.
Antonelli immediately replied that 12 is his preference, given that he used the number en route to the Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022, and the Middle East and European Formula Regional crowns last year.
“I have many numbers that I like, but 12 is a special one,” said Antonelli. “I have been using it since F4 [and] it always went well, so there’s no reason to change it for next year.”
MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1
Antonelli made his F1 weekend debut with Mercedes during practice for the Italian Grand Prix
With the announcement made and his F1 debut now only a few months away, Antonelli began to process what’s ahead of him as a Silver Arrows driver alongside George Russell.
“Obviously it’s something I’ve been dreaming of since a very young age,” he commented. “To finally be announced as a driver for 2025 is such a great feeling. I cannot wait to get started.”
As for stepping into seven-time world champion Hamilton’s shoes, he added: “Well, I think, it’s not possible to replace [him]. He’s such a great figure in the sport today and he has achieved so much in his career.
“I don’t want to see it as his replacement, I’m just the next driver for Mercedes. He’s a really great guy, he’s given me some support, so I’m really happy.”
For the rest of the year, Antonelli will continue to drive previous F1 machinery as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme formed by Mercedes, as well as seeing out his rookie season in F2 – the Italian sitting sixth in the standings with three rounds to go.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes confirms 18-year-old as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement |
Formula1 Report: Mercedes has announced that Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli as replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton…
The 18-year-old Antonelli, a graduate of the team’s junior program, will partner with George Russell at Mercedes following the departure of seven-time F1 champion Hamilton.
“Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in a statement. “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.
“In George, he has an experienced teammate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.”
Antonelli joined Mercedes’ junior program in 2019 and has been competing in Formula 2 this year, becoming the youngest winner of multiple races in the series’ history after victories at Silverstone and Budapest.
He made his practice debut for the Silver Arrows at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Friday but endured a challenging start after crashing into the wall on turn 11.
The car was badly damaged yet Antonelli walked away unscathed, with Wolff saying the incident would have “zero effect” on the young driver’s future.
“He’s a rookie, he’s very young, we are prepared to invest into his future and these moments will happen and they will continue to happen next year, but there will also be a lot of highlights,” Wolff added, according to Reuters.
Antonelli crashed during practice ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
Running in place of Russell, Antonelli had briefly set the fastest lap of the session prior to the crash. He returned to the track later in the day to qualify sixth in F2.
It’s expected that Antonelli, who only turned 18 on Sunday, will take part in another practice session in Mexico later this year.
“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,” he said in Mercedes’ announcement.
“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.”
His 26-year-old future teammate Russell, who also came through Mercedes’ junior ranks, has claimed two race wins with Mercedes, most recently at the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
“We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership,” said Wolff. “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.”
Mercedes has enjoyed huge success during Hamilton’s time with the team, earning eight consecutive constructors’ championships before being surpassed by Red Bull in the past two seasons.
Hamilton won six of his record-equaling seven F1 titles with the Silver Arrows but is now set to team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025.
