P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has confirmed Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be promoted into a race seat in 2025, replacing Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. The Italian made his FP1 debut for Mercedes at Monza on Friday, but c…
Mercedes has announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will join their team in 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton who is heading to Ferrari. Despite a crash in his FP1 debut at Monza, team principal Toto Wolff is impressed by Antonelli’s potential and has given him a full-time race seat at just 18 years old. The 2025 driver line-up for Mercedes will feature a mix of experience, talent, youth, and raw speed, with George and Kimi forming a promising partnership. Mercedes believes in nurturing home-grown talent, as evidenced by Antonelli’s rapid rise through their junior program. Antonelli’s promotion to F1 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mercedes, with high hopes for his development alongside his experienced teammate George. This move also confirms the presence of three rookies on the 2025 grid, with Antonelli joining Bearman and Doohan at Haas and Alpine respectively.
