P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes’ teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli is expected to replace Lewis Hamilton next season.
F1 commentator Alex Jacques believes Toto Wolff is determined to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli to avoid a repeat of missing out on Max Verstappen in 2014. Wolff had attempted to sign Verstappen before he joined Red Bull but lost out. Antonelli, seen as the best talent since Verstappen, is expected to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes at just 18 years old. Wolff, Mercedes CEO, believes in Antonelli as a driver and an avenger for his past misses.
If Mercedes does not promote Antonelli, other teams might try to recruit him, as seen with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Mercedes is already extensively testing Antonelli in F1 machinery to prevent other teams from getting interested. Wolff’s determination to promote Antonelli prevents any chances of poaching by other teams. Mercedes is preparing Antonelli with rigorous testing programs to ensure his readiness for F1.
