Mercedes have confirmed that teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli will race for the Formula One giants in 2025, replacing Sir Lewis Hamilton.
The highly-rated Italian rookie will make his F1 debut next season after signing a multi-year contract with the Silver Arrows.
‘It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,’ said Antonelli.
‘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.’
Mercedes have been on the hunt for Hamilton’s replacement since February, when he sensationally announced he would be joining Ferrari from next season, ending his 11-year spell with the German team.
The seven-time world champion’s seat is a massive one to fill and as such Mercedes had a large number of drivers on their shortlist including Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
In the end, Toto Wolff had two clear preferences: Max Verstappen or Antonelli, and while the team principal would have loved to poach the three-time champion, his loyalty remains with Red Bull for now.
Thanks to a sensational junior career, Antonelli has already been likened to Verstappen and Hamilton despite only turning 18 in August, and though his promotion to F1 may have come sooner than Wolff would have preferred, there is great excitement about his future.
Wolff has supported Antonelli since his karting days, signing him for the Mercedesjunior programme in 2019.
He quickly ascended through the ranks, winning German and Italian Formula 4 in 2022, before triumphing again in Formula Regional European and Middle East championships in 2023.
This year he was thrown straight into Formula 2, so far picking up two wins and sits seventh in the standings, impressive work despite his inexperience when compared to rivals.
Antonelli will partner George Russell, with the Brit contracted to Mercedes until the end of 2025.
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