Lewis Hamilton is set to conclude his tenure with Mercedes in 2024, as he prepares to embark on a new journey with Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton has claimed he would sign Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race for Mercedes in the F1 2025 season if he were in the shoes of team boss Toto Wolff.
Hamilton rocked the F1 world earlier this year by announcing that he will end his long and successful association with Mercedes at the end of this season to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract.
Lewis Hamilton picks Mercedes successor for F1 2025
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Just five months after signing a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, the seven-time World Champion surprised everyone with his decision. Hamilton activated a break clause in his contract even before the first season of his new deal had commenced.
Several drivers, such as Carlos Sainz, who will be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari, and reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, have been mentioned as potential partners for George Russell in F1 2025.
Nevertheless, it is widely believed that Mercedes’ favored choice to replace Hamilton next season is their 17-year-old junior sensation Antonelli, who is currently competing in F2.
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During an interview with various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com’s Thomas Maher, before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Hamilton expressed his support for Antonelli, who will be making his first F1 appearance in Italy since joining Ferrari.
When asked about Mercedes potentially signing Sainz as his successor, Hamilton expressed his belief in Sainz’s talent, stating that he is a great driver who would bring positivity to any team he joins.
To be honest, I am completely clueless about Toto’s intentions. However, in my opinion, it would be the right decision to bring on a young individual.
“If I were in charge of the job or had the responsibility, I would most likely assume the role of Kimi.”
Hamilton made these remarks in response to the FIA’s confirmation to PlanetF1.com during the recent Miami Grand Prix that a special dispensation request has been submitted to allow Antonelli to participate in F1 before turning 18, which is the minimum age requirement for obtaining an F1 superlicence for young drivers.
Antonelli’s 18th birthday falls on August 25, which also happens to be the day of the Dutch Grand Prix. This race marks the first one after the summer break.
Mercedes is considering the possibility of placing Antonelli in the customer team Williams as a potential replacement for Logan Sargeant. This move would enable the team to assess Antonelli’s performance alongside regular driver Alex Albon, and based on their evaluation, make a decision about promoting him to partner with Russell for F1 2025.
Antonelli has recently begun an extensive F1 testing program in order to prepare himself for his grand prix debut. He will be driving older Mercedes cars at Imola and the Red Bull Ring.
Mercedes is currently assessing Antonelli’s potential by having him participate in a comparison test alongside reserve driver Mick Schumacher at Silverstone. It is also believed that the teenager took part in this recent test.
During his speech in Miami, Wolff contradicted the notion that Mercedes aims to assist Antonelli in joining the F1 2024 season.
He further stated, “These rumors have taken on a life of their own. It would be better for us to focus on Formula 2 at this time, as our team has numerous other matters to address.”
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