Mercedes confirm teen sensation as PERMANENT Lewis Hamilton replacement

Photo: © IMAGO

Mercedes

Mercedes confirm teen sensation as PERMANENT Hamilton replacement

Lewis Hamilton's permanent replacement has been confirmed ahead of his Ferrari switch

Originally written by Simmey Hannifin Donaldson. This version is a translation.

Saturday 31 August 2024 13:00

Mercedes have officially announced who will replace Lewis Hamilton when he departs the team at the end of the season.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion dropped a bombshell earlier this campaign when he revealed that he would be linking up with Ferrari in 2025.

Article continues under video

Since then, speculation has rumbled regarding who could replace him at the Silver Arrows, with several candidates having been rumoured to be in contention.

Team chief Toto Wolff made no secret of his desire to land Max Verstappen, for example, whilst Carlos Sainz - the man Hamilton will replace at Ferrari - was also said to be in the mix at one stage before joining Williams.

Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of 2024

Toto Wolff had a big decision to make ahead of 2025

Mercedes announce Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli may have crashed in his official F1 debut at Monza on Friday, but Toto Wolff’s faith in the young Italian has not whittled as a result.

Speaking on the Mercedes website, Wolff explained: “Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and out-and-out raw speed,”

“We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership.

Kimi Antonelli took part in FP1 at the Italian Grand Prix

“Our new line-up is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in home-grown talent.

“George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but has also developed into a strong leader within the team.

“Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year and we will be supporting him every step of the way in the learning process.

“In George, he has an experienced team-mate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.”

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Carlos Sainz George Russell