F1 Live: Mercedes play down Kimi Antonelli expectations as Italian replaces Lewis Hamilton…..
Andrea Kimi Antonelli To Race for Mercedes In 2025
2024 Spanish Grand Prix, Thursday Lat Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been promoted from his role as Mercedes junior driver to Mercedes Formula 1 driver, starting in 2025.
Antonelli, who goes by Kimi, is an 18-year-old from Italy that is completing his first year in Formula 2. The son of a former GT racer, Antonelli’s four championships in four separate junior series in 2022 and 2023 led him to make the jump to F2, skipping F3 entirely.
The Italian is currently sixth in F2 standings, with two wins. He will be replacing Lewis Hamilton, who has won six drivers championships with Mercedes, in the seat.
Although he was already announced to have a multi-year contract last year, George Russell was also confirmed to be racing for the Silver Arrows once again next season.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” Antonelli is quoted as saying in the announcement. “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’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025,” Russell, who currently sits eighth in F1 standings with a win in Austria, said. “His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.”
“George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world,” Team principal Toto Wolff said. “He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but has also developed 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.
“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 team-mate 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.”
Mercedes currently sits fourth in constructor standings, with three wins on the year.
