According to recent reports, the German Formula One team Mercedes has agreed to sign 17-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in their lineup for the 2025 season. This news came as a surprise to many in the F1 world, as Hamilton had just been spotted driving during the second practice session ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that they have not finalized plans for next year yet, but he did mention that they are looking to reinvent themselves for the future and believe that Antonelli has a significant role to play within the team. The young driver bypassed Formula 3 and is currently competing in Formula 2, and has also had the opportunity to test out older Mercedes cars as a member of their junior academy.
Hamilton expressed his confidence in Antonelli being a good successor, although he is unsure about Mercedes’ specific plans. Nonetheless, if it were up to him, Hamilton indicated that Antonelli would be his choice to take his place. This move by Mercedes could shake up the F1 world and will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.