It’s been announced that 17-year-old Italian F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be heading to Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team for 2025.
The 17-year-old has been a member of the Mercedes Junior Driver Program since 2019. More commonly referred to as Kimi Antonelli, the Italian has won: Italian F4, ADAC F4, FIA Motorsport Games Formula 4 Cup, Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional European Championship.
This year saw him leapfrog Formula 3 and go straight from FRECA into Formula 2 with a fully funded seat by Mercedes. It was at this point it became clear Mercedes had their focus on the young driver. When Lewis Hamilton leaving the Brackley team for Ferrari was announced, all eyes fell on Antonelli.
Antonelli’s Impressive Campaign
In F2, Antonelli has impressed by being consistent and calm since the beginning of the season, managing to keep himself in the Top 10 fight with a in a PREMA car that has struggled in 2024.
He has also taken part in multiple tests for Mercedes; one alongside the former F1 driver, Mick Schumacher. It was in these tests where he impressed so much and the rumours of him in F1 seemed to materialise into reality.
Kimi Antonelli to Mercedes has generated a lot of excitement within the paddock because of Antonelli being considered the ‘next Verstappen’ by many.
Gwen Lagrue, the Driver Development Advisor, once said, “Kimi has a bright future ahead and is simply impressive.” Something that has been proven by Mercedes’ support and faith in him, moving him into the F1 seat for 2025.
Toto’s Statement
Following the announcement Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff spoke;
“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.
“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.”
Russell Speaks on Appointment
George Russell, who will race alongside the youngster, says he’s excited for the partnership;
“I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved.
“He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.
“I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his team-mate. I’ve learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi.
“As a team, we’re building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year. We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships.
“It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing.”
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Featured Image credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team