Kimi Antonelli Announced As New Mercedes Driver From 2025 Onwards

Formula 2 driver Kimi Antonelli has been announced as the driver who will be filling up the empty seat at Mercedes. As Lewis Hamilton leaves the team for Ferrari, young driver Kimi Antonelli will be replacing him in the Silver Arrows. Kimi Antonelli got his first taste of a Formula One car yesterday when he participated in free practice 1 as he took to the Monza circuit in George Russel's car. The session did not go as Kimi would have wanted as the young driver ended up in a horrible crash which saw him out of the session. 

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Mercedes have been looking for a driver to fill up Lewis Hamilton's seat ever since the 7-time World Champion announced that he was leaving for Ferrari and now the team has got their man. 

‘Reaching F1 Is A Dream’- Kimi Antonelli 

Kimi Antonelli has had a splendid junior racing career as he has won the Italian F4 title, the ADAC and the Formula Regional European Championship. He also skipped F3 and went straight to F2 when he was signed by Prema Racing. He is currently 6th in the Formula 2 standings and has gotten 2 race wins under his belt. 

“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025. 

"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 will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.

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"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 is super-fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track,” said Antonelli after he was officialy announced as a driver for Mercedes F1 team.