Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Italian teenager replaces Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for 2025 season

Mercedes have announced Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement next season following his move to Ferrari.

The 18-year-old Mercedes junior will partner George Russell from the start of the 2025 campaign.

It follows Hamilton’s decision to end his 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles, to join Ferrari.

Antonelli joined Mercedes’ youth programme at the age of 11 and is seventh in this season’s F2 driver standings, having won his first race in Hungary in July.

Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal, is excited by the team’s blend of youth and experience.

“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 homegrown talent,” said Wolff.

“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.”