P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has revealed that it chose to place Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the team for 2025 rather than loan him to a Formula 1 rival to avoid him getting “contaminated”. The German marque has opted to replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton with Antonelli, who has dovetailed his debut Formula 2 campaign with extensive F1 tests. […]
Mercedes decided to replace Lewis Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari, with Antonelli after his successful Formula 2 season and extensive F1 tests. Antonelli was the top choice for the Mercedes seat once it was clear that Max Verstappen would stay with Red Bull. At just 18, Antonelli will partner with George Russell, who spent three seasons with Williams before his Mercedes promotion. Mercedes’ goal with Antonelli is to shape him into a long-term asset for the team. Despite early doubts following a crash during his F1 weekend debut, Russell believes Antonelli possesses the speed to excel and help Mercedes return to the top of the grid next season.
