P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It is being reported that Mercedes has decided upon George Russell’s 2025 team-mate, with confirmation to follow in the coming weeks.
Mercedes has made the decision to appoint Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 season, as reported by Italian publication Autosprint. Antonelli, who currently competes in F2, has been part of an intensive testing program under Mercedes’ junior team this season. Despite Antonelli expressing doubts about his readiness for F1, it seems he will partner with George Russell at Mercedes next year. The team’s principal, Toto Wolff, had entertained the possibility of signing Max Verstappen for 2025, but ultimately settled on Antonelli. The announcement of Antonelli as the new driver is expected to be made during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza.
