In a major shake-up for the Formula 1 world, Mercedes has announced that 18-year-old Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton once Hamilton departs for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.
Antonelli, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, is set to join Mercedes alongside George Russell. The announcement comes as Hamilton prepares to embark on a new chapter of his career with Ferrari, marking a significant transition for both the driver and the team.
“I don’t want to see it as (being) his replacement. I’m just the next driver for Mercedes in ’25,” Antonelli said. Despite the pressure of stepping into Hamilton’s shoes, Antonelli remains focused on the opportunity ahead.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed his confidence in Antonelli, stating that the decision to promote him was made swiftly after Hamilton’s decision to leave was announced. “We decided to move Antonelli up from Formula Two five minutes after Lewis Hamilton told me that he’s going to Ferrari,” Wolff said. He emphasized that the new pairing of Antonelli and Russell represents the future of Mercedes in Formula 1.
Wolff acknowledged Hamilton’s unparalleled impact on the sport. “He’s the biggest personality in the sport, with the biggest gravitas and international recognition,” Wolff said. “When Lewis decided to go for another challenge, no one can replace him in all of his, let’s say, stature.”
While Wolff did not reveal the length of Antonelli’s contract, he did leave the door open for potential future moves, including the possibility of pursuing Max Verstappen from Red Bull for the 2026 season.
Antonelli’s introduction to F1 came with a dramatic turn. During his first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli crashed into the barriers at Monza, severely damaging the car. Despite this setback, Wolff remained optimistic about Antonelli’s future, humorously commenting on the difference between free practice and qualifying. Antonelli is expected to get another chance to drive at the Mexican Grand Prix in October.
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The young driver’s rise through the ranks has been impressive. He skipped Formula 3 after winning the Italian and German F4 championships in 2022 and has competed successfully in the Middle East and European regional Formula championships. Currently, Antonelli is seventh in the Formula 2 standings, with recent victories at Silverstone and Budapest bolstering his reputation.
As Antonelli prepares to join Mercedes, he carries the hopes of Italian F1 fans, eager for a homegrown driver to bring glory back to the sport. Italy’s last Formula 1 drivers’ championship was won by Alberto Ascari in 1953, and the country has been waiting for a new champion to emerge.
With his promotion to Mercedes and the high expectations surrounding him, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s transition into Formula 1’s top tier is set to be one of the most watched storylines in the coming seasons.
