P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes gave Hamilton short F1 contract to keep Antonelli option open
Last August, Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, but he used escape clauses to leave after the first year and join Ferrari, opening up a seat for young driver Antonelli for 2025. Antonelli, a rising star at just 17, is moving up to Formula 2 with Prema after winning championships in F4 and Formula Regional European Championship. Team principal Wolff compared this situation to when Mercedes missed signing Max Verstappen due to lack of available seats, allowing Red Bull to snap him up. Wolff emphasized that while the 2025 seat is open, it’s not guaranteed for Antonelli, who will undergo testing and development before a decision is made. The team is considering options for 2025 and beyond, with a focus on nurturing young talent like Antonelli for the future.
