Italian youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli will change a legend, taking the spot of Lewis Hamilton within the F1 lineup for Mercedes subsequent season.
The group introduced Saturday that Antonelli, 18, can be promoted from the F2 circuit and group with George Russell in 2025.
Hamilton, a seven-time global champion, prior to now introduced he’s going to sign up for Ferrari on the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The inside track comes the day sooner than the Italian Grand Prix.
On Friday at the direction in Monza, Antonelli drove Russell’s automobile in a tradition run however lasted handiest 5 laps sooner than spinning out and into the barrier. That had no impact at the resolution of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes group foremost, so as to add {the teenager} to the group.
“Kimi has constantly proven the ability and velocity had to compete on the very best of our recreation. We all know it’s going to be some other giant step up, however he has inspired us in his F1 trying out this 12 months and we can be supporting him each step of the best way within the finding out procedure,” Wolff mentioned. “In George, he has an skilled teammate from which he can be told and hone his craft. I’m assured that each will give a contribution very much as we proceed to construct momentum and struggle on the entrance of the sector.”
Wolff mentioned Russell and Antonelli can be a cast pairing.
“Our 2025 motive force lineup combines revel in, ability, adolescence and out-and-out uncooked velocity. We’re fascinated about what George and Kimi deliver to the group each as particular person drivers, but additionally as a partnership,” he mentioned.
“Our new lineup is best possible to open the following bankruptcy in our tale. It’s also a testomony to the energy of our junior program and our trust in homegrown ability.”
Antonelli has gained two races this season and is 7th within the F2 standings.
“It’s a great feeling to be introduced as a Mercedes works motive force along George for 2025,” he mentioned. “Attaining F1 is a dream I have had since I used to be a small boy; I wish to thank the group for the fortify they have given me in my occupation thus far and the religion they have proven in me. I’m nonetheless finding out so much, however I think able for the chance. I can be thinking about getting higher and handing over the most productive imaginable effects for the group.”
Hamilton weighed in at the factor of his substitute in Would possibly. In accordance with a query at an Emilia Romagna Grand Prix press convention, Hamilton mentioned, “In truth, I do not know what Toto’s plans are, however for me, taking up a teenager, if it used to be my process, if it used to be my function, I’d most probably tackle Kimi.”
Mercedes is in fourth position within the constructor standings this season, with Hamilton in 6th and Russell in 8th position within the motive force standings.
–Box Stage Media
