P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Antonelli replacement emerges at Mercedes
Toto Wolff should consider replacing Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes in order to safeguard the young driver’s F1 future and confidence. With just one point in five races and a series of incidents, Antonelli clearly still has much to learn.
In the 2025 season, Antonelli’s lack of points may not be critical, but for 2026, Mercedes will require a supportive driver alongside George Russell if they aim to compete for the championship. At present, Antonelli is not meeting this criteria and may be under increasing pressure leading to more mistakes.
The suggested solution is to move Antonelli to a reserve driver role, allowing him to gain experience outside of F1 before returning to the intense competition. Given Antonelli’s struggles, Isack Hadjar emerges as a strong candidate for the Mercedes seat, showcasing consistency and composure in the Dutch Grand Prix.
Hadjar’s performance, securing his first F1 podium in the face of strong competition, contrasts greatly with Antonelli’s unstable season. Switching gears to Mercedes could offer Hadjar a more nurturing environment and potential for success, compared to the uncertain future at Red Bull. It falls on Toto Wolff to make the tough decision to protect Antonelli’s career and elevate a driver like Hadjar who has demonstrated readiness for the challenge.
