Kimi Antonelli: The Mercedes wonderkid set to replace Lewis Hamilton in F1 2025

Mercedes confirmed Andrea Kimi Antonelli as their new driver for next year, partnering with George Russell and replacing the departing Lewis Hamilton.

The seven-time world champion's bombshell move to Ferrari for 2025 has left a gaping hole at Mercedes, sparking a frenzy of speculation regarding his replacement.

Several names have been thrown into the mix for the coveted seat, including Antonelli who made a strong case for himself with a dominant victory in the wet and wild F2 sprint race at the 2024 British Grand Prix.

Now, the Silver Arrows have finally put an end to the rumours, confirming the Italian rising star as their newest addition to the team.

Who is Kimi Antonelli?

Born on August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, Kimi Antonelli comes from a racing pedigree. His father, Marco, was a racer himself and owns AKM Motorsport, a team competing in the Italian F4 Championship.

Antonelli's career began at the tender age of seven in go-karts, where he quickly displayed exceptional talent, and won the EasyKart International Grand Final two years later.

Following this early promise, Antonelli honed his skills in the WSK series and, in 2018, he won the finale of the WSK Champions Cup 60 Mini and also took victory in the ROK Cup International Final.

The following year, Antonelli dominated the WSK Super Master Series and Euro Series, even finishing fifth in his first FIA World Championship appearance.

These achievements caught the eye of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who signed him to the Mercedes Junior Academy.

Antonelli then transitioned into single-seaters in 2021 and dipped his toes in both the Italian and UAE F4 championships.

While his Italian campaign yielded podium finishes, it was in the UAE that he truly shone, securing two race wins and finishing third overall.

The following year, Antonelli returned to the Italian F4 scene, this time as a dominant force. He swept the championship and won the title with a staggering 13 victories and pole positions in all but a handful of races.

He also replicated this success in the ADAC F4 series, winning the title with nine race victories and 12 podium finishes.

READ MORE: Hamilton form raises Ferrari F1 move fears

Antonelli's most recent exploits in the Formula Regional series have truly cemented his status as a future F1 star.

Competing in both the European and Middle East championships, he tamed the powerful F3-based machinery, winning both titles in 2023.

His incredible rise has paid off, as he was promoted to Formula 2 this year with Prema Racing where he is driving alongside Oliver Bearman.

Now, both drivers are set to join the F1 grid next season, with Antonelli joining Mercedes and Bearman teaming up with Esteban Ocon at Haas.

READ MORE: F1 2025 Driver Lineup: Big names on the move as half the grid reshuffles for next season

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