Mercedes have confirmed Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli will exchange Lewis Hamilton from the beginning of the 2025 Components 1 season.
Hamilton introduced in February that he’ll be a part of Ferrari subsequent 12 months and Mercedes have chosen rising star Antonelli, who turned 18 final Sunday, to be George Russell’s team-mate.
Antonelli made his Mercedes debut in follow on the Italian Grand Prix on Friday however crashed within the early phases of the session, taking among the gloss off of what was meant to be a celebratory weekend for driver and workforce.
He’ll develop into the third youngest F1 driver of all-time when he makes his aggressive debut on the season-opener in Australia subsequent March at 18 years and 203 days outdated – solely Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll had been youthful once they made their debuts.
Antonelli’s look at Monza was a part of the programme the workforce have designed to fast-track him to the highest of the game, with testing of outdated Mercedes vehicles and additional F1 follow periods to return earlier than the top of the season.
Antonelli was linked with a attainable change to Williams to switch Logan Sargeant for the rest of the 2024 season, however Wolff determined the younger star can be higher served finishing his Components 2 marketing campaign with Prema Racing and testing programme with Mercedes.
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Lewis Hamilton believes Kimi Antonelli can be an amazing choice to fill the seat at Mercedes forward of his departure for Ferrari.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” stated Antonelli.
“Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity.
“I shall be targeted on getting higher and delivering the absolute best outcomes for the workforce.
“I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for.
“He’s super-fast, a a number of Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me enhance as a driver. I’m trying ahead to studying from him and dealing collectively to ship on monitor.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Italian GP schedule
Saturday August 31
8.25am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Italian GP Practice Three (session starts 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: ITALIAN GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday September 1
7:30am: F3 Feature Race
9am: F2 Feature Race
11am: Porsche Supercup
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up
2pm: The ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
The 2024 Formula 1 season continues with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
