P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes form leaves Wolff in two minds on F1 2025 driver path
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari for next year has left Mercedes in search of a new teammate for George Russell. In their search, Mercedes is considering two paths: signing an experienced driver to help push for success, or investing in their rising junior star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The team has been linked with drivers like Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, but convincing them will depend on improving their current performance levels. Team boss Wolff sees different perspectives in this decision, as Mercedes is currently in a rebuilding phase and needs to rethink its approach. With Antonelli already part of their junior program, Mercedes can take their time to assess their options and potentially give him more private test days in an F1 car. Wolff emphasized the importance of preparing Antonelli for the future, as they aim to evaluate his potential in a Formula 1 car before making any decisions for the upcoming season.
