Mercedes F1 reveal Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton replacement

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have announced Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the driver set to partner George Russell from next year onward.

Antonelli will be replacing the outgoing seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Scuderia Ferrari. 

The 18-year-old Italian prodigy made his Formula 2 debut earlier this year and already has two race wins under his belt. He also won the ADAC and Italian Formula 4 titles in 2022 and the Formula Regional European Championship in 2023.

Antonelli has been a part of the Mercedes junior programme since 2019, having joined at 12 years of age. 

Also read: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Sponsors 2024

Speaking about having Antonelli on board, Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, commented:

“Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and out-and-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. 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 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.”

George Russell said:

“I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in the 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. I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his team-mate. I’ve learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi. As a team, we’re building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year. We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships. It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli stated:

“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025. 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. I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for. 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.“

Markus Schäfer, CTO, Non-Executive Chairman & Mercedes-Benz AG, added:

“It is an exciting time for the team as we unveil our driver line-up for 2025. We open the next chapter in our story next year and have a fantastic partnership with which to do so. George, as a multiple Grand Prix winner, has developed into a top-tier driver. It has been a pleasure to see him come through the ranks of the team’s junior programme, establish himself in F1 over the past few years, and become a leader within the team. Kimi, just like George and Lewis, is one of our home-grown talents with a very promising future. His record at junior level is incredibly impressive and his raw speed is clear to see. I can’t wait to see him in a race seat next year and watch his supreme talent shine in a Mercedes F1 car.“