P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kimi Antonelli will be a Mercedes F1 driver in 2025 – it’s finally official. Is the 18-year-old ready for such a competitive car (and to replace Lewis Hamilton)? And what does it mean for George Russell?
Mercedes has announced that Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton in its 2025 Formula 1 line-up. Antonelli, a highly-tipped teenage rookie, follows the footsteps of successful young drivers like Max Verstappen. The move raises questions about Antonelli’s readiness for the pressures of a Mercedes seat and the implications for his teammate George Russell. Despite initial doubts, Mercedes’ improved trajectory and race performances bolster the decision to bring Antonelli on board early. If Antonelli proves himself, he could soon be competing for race wins, creating an exciting narrative for the upcoming season.
