Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes has been unveiled.Â
On Saturday, the team announced that 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli will drive for the team in 2025, joining George Russell to complete the two-car Formula 1 lineup.Â
Antonelli joined the organization as a 12-year-old in the FIA karting ranks and raced Formula 2 this season. He has two victories and now receives a promotion to the highest form of motorsport in the world.
The seat opened up after Hamilton, the seven-time champion, announced a move to Ferrari.Â
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” Antonelli said. “Reaching F-1 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 teammate. He came through the team’s junior program 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.”
For Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff, the decision to add Antonelli to the F-1 fold was easy.Â
“Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport,” Wolff said. “We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F-1 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.”
Russell won his second career race in Austria in June. He had appeared to win at Spa last month but was ultimately disqualified after his car was too light.Â