P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has disclosed that George Russell’s Formula 1 promotion arriving too late inspired the choice to put a rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in its 2025 driver line-up. At last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes announced the long-awaited news that Antonelli will replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton in the team next season. Antonelli, who turned 18 […]
At the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, Mercedes revealed that Antonelli will take over Lewis Hamilton’s spot in the team next season as Hamilton moves to Ferrari. Antonelli, an 18-year-old driver who has achieved success in Formula 2, will partner with George Russell, both of whom have risen through the Mercedes ranks with support from the team’s academy. Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, credited the success of their academy to Gwen Lagrue, the Driver Development Advisor, for identifying talent early on and nurturing it. While Russell had a prolonged stint at Williams before joining Mercedes, the team is taking a more direct approach with Antonelli’s career progression. Wolff acknowledged that Antonelli’s mistakes, like his crash in FP1 at Monza, will be under close scrutiny as Mercedes aims for championship success. This move signifies Mercedes’ commitment to supporting and promoting young talents in the sport.
