- Kimi Antonelli has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes
- Hamilton, 39, will leave for Ferrari before the 2025 season
- Antonelli crashed in the first practice of the Italian Grand Prix on Friday
Teenager Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes for next season.
Hamilton announced earlier this year that he would join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, leaving Mercedes searching for his successor.
It was confirmed on Saturday morning that Antonelli will be the one to drive alongside George Russell next season.
His announcement comes less than 24 hours after Antonelli was involved in a 160mph crash on his Mercedes debut in the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix.
The Italian lost control at the Parabolica, moving across the gravel before hitting the tyre wall from the side, a 45G impact.
Kimi Antonelli (pictured) has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes
Antonelli crashed on his debut for Mercedes in the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix on Friday
But Mercedes have still opted to bring him back for next season as Hamilton prepares to leave for Ferrari.
Antonelli, who turned 18 last Sunday, was taken to the medical centre for checks but was fit to take part in the Formula 2 session later in the afternoon.
He will not compete in tomorrow’s F1 race, with George Russell taking over driving duties as planned for the rest of the weekend.
Team principal Toto Wolff grimaced in the Mercedes garage as Antonelli went off but backed the lad he has supported through the team’s youth programme, saying: “He’s a rookie, he’s very young and we’re prepared to invest in his future.
‘These moments will happen. They will continue to happen next year. But there will also be many highlights.
“What we saw today is that we have a problem slowing it down rather than making it faster, because what we’ve seen in one and a half laps is just astonishing.”
Wolff has kept his word about investing in Antonelli, and this exciting prospect will now get the chance to prove he belongs at the top level.
But Hamilton will have a very important role to fill when he leaves. The Briton has won six of his seven world titles at Mercedes during an incredibly successful 11-year stay at the team.