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Kimi Antonelli Admits He Was “Dumbfounded” When Toto Wolff Told Him He Was Joining Mercedes F1

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
February 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Mercedes’ Quiet Comeback? Why Toto Wolff’s Team Could Shock the F1 Grid in 2025

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2024 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff with Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli ahead of the grand prix REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

For 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the dream became reality in the most shocking way possible. The Italian prodigy is set to make his full-time Formula 1 debut with Mercedes in 2025, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton—and the way he found out left him completely speechless.

Antonelli recently recalled the jaw-dropping conversation he had with Toto Wolff, where the Mercedes boss asked him a simple yet life-changing question:

“He called me into his office and said, ‘Are you ready to drive a Formula 1 car?’ I could not even speak in that moment.”

From F2 Hopeful to F1 Star—Antonelli’s Rapid Rise

Antonelli’s promotion to one of the most prestigious seats in F1 history is one of the most surprising career jumps in recent memory.

While he was widely expected to enter F1 eventually, the Mercedes junior driver was originally set for a traditional Formula 2 campaign. Instead, Wolff and Mercedes fast-tracked him into the top tier, trusting the young Italian with a full-time seat for 2025.

His journey wasn’t without its rocky moments, either. During his first-ever practice session with Mercedes, Antonelli crashed, making him believe his chances at a full-time drive had disappeared.

But despite that early setback, Wolff saw something special—and now, Antonelli is set to become the youngest Mercedes F1 driver in history.

“I Needed This Time With My Family Before My Life Changes Forever”

With 24 grueling races ahead, Antonelli made the most of his last few weeks of normalcy, prioritizing time with his family in Bologna, Italy.

“I had a good time with my family, which is so important to me because I am not going to see them much once the season starts.”

While his father will travel with him to every race, Antonelli revealed that his mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother won’t be able to follow the full F1 calendar.

“To rest at home with them and do fun activities together was nice.”

It’s a huge transition for an 18-year-old, but one that Antonelli seems fully prepared for.

Can Antonelli Help Revive Mercedes in 2025?

After two tough years for Mercedes, the Silver Arrows need fresh energy—and Antonelli is their biggest gamble yet.

While the team fell short of expectations in 2024, the goal is to rebuild and return to championship contention. That means Antonelli will need to prove himself quickly—not just to keep up with George Russell, but to secure his long-term place in F1.

He’s stepping into massive shoes, replacing one of the sport’s greatest drivers in Hamilton, but he’ll also have a huge opportunity to make his mark early.

The Verdict: A Bold Move That Could Define Mercedes’ Future

Antonelli’s raw talent is undeniable, but can he handle the pressure of racing for one of F1’s biggest teams at just 18?

If he delivers strong results, he could become Mercedes’ next long-term superstar. But if he struggles, his seat could be in danger as early as 2026.

For now, Toto Wolff has made his choice—and Antonelli is about to embark on the biggest challenge of his life.

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