Mercedes F1 chief reveals 'most important' thing for Lewis Hamilton replacement

Lewis Hamilton appearing nervous photoshopped by his Mercedes — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News

Mercedes chief reveals 'most important' thing for Hamilton replacement

Mercedes are yet to announce their 2025 line-up

By Sheona Mountford.

Monday 12 August 2024 02:00

A Mercedes chief has revealed their expectations for their 2025 driver line-up as reports claim they have reached a decision.

The task of replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was never going to be an easy one, however Mercedes appear to be close to making a decision.

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Italian youngster Kimi Andrea Antonelli has been tipped to join the team next season, with Autosprint reporting that a signing is set to be announced ahead of Monza.

Despite the interest around Antonelli, the 17-year-old has had a difficult season in Formula 2, where he currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings.

Lewis Hamilton's F1 replacement has been widely speculated

Mercedes junior Kimi Andrea Antonelli emerged as a favourite for the empty seat

Will we see Antonelli at Mercedes next season?

However, the Italian has completed various tests for Mercedes, and according to their trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, his inexperience is not an issue for the team.

“We want the two best drivers and we need to make the best car. That’s what the team is going to focus on,” Shovlin said to Formula 1.com.

"I think that if you have all the ingredients right, you do well. But where we are in the competitive rankings certainly has no influence on whether we look for an experienced driver or a young driver."

Andrew Shovlin discusses who will replace Lewis Hamilton

“He [Antonelli] has an impressive CV for someone so young and he will undoubtedly have a bright future. But he looks like one of those naturally gifted talents that everyone is trying to find.”

“His speed is the most important thing.”

“He has come through the series very quickly. It wasn’t that long ago that he was racing karts, he’s now in F2 and he’s testing an F1 car with us.”

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Monza Formula 2 Kimi Andrea Antonelli Andrew Shovlin