After Lewis Hamilton surprised Mercedes by moving to Ferrari in 2025, the former world champions are now in search of a suitable driver to fill his place. Antonelli is considered one of the potential candidates for the job.
Carlos Sainz, who has experience in winning Grand Prix races and is currently in good form, would be a sensible choice for Ferrari to replace Hamilton and join Russell. However, if there are any obstacles to securing Sainz, Antonelli could be a potential option if he improves his performance in F2. It would be wise to give him some time at Williams, just as they groomed Valtteri Bottas and Russell.
As Antonelli is seen as the chosen one, it makes sense to give him as much Formula 1 experience as possible within the regulations. Recently, he had the opportunity to test the 2021 Mercedes W12, which won nine times that year, at the Red Bull Ring for a few days.
After the testing session at the Austrian Grand Prix circuit, Antonelli expressed his excitement and gratitude for the experience. He mentioned that he learned a lot during those two days, which would be valuable for his return to F2. However, he acknowledged the need to continue working hard and improving.
There have been rumors in the Italian media that Antonelli could replace Logan Sargeant, who is underperforming, in Imola or Monza, driving for Williams. However, this seems more like an optimistic attempt to get the young driver from Bologna on the track. In Formula 1, anything is possible, so it is never wise to say never.
The sensible decision would be to replace Sargeant at the end of this season, as there are no indications that he has the potential to be a Formula 1 winner. Two seasons should be enough to evaluate a driver’s skills.
Therefore, it would not be surprising if in 2025, Williams, a customer team of Mercedes, led by James Vowles, also known as Mini-Toto, decides to bring young Kimi to the back of the grid, allowing him to showcase his skills just like Russell. However, this does not completely solve the dilemma at hand.
Meanwhile, Mercedes and Antonelli continue their tests. Recently, he had his second private test in Imola, driving the less successful 2022 Mercedes W13, which was previously driven to victory by Russell. The young Italian continues to impress with his performance, making a strong case for a quick entry into Formula 1.
The Italian moved up to Formula 2 – the main feeder series for Formula 1 – after winning the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) in the previous season. In 2022, he secured wins in both the Italian and German F4 series championships. He has been a member of our junior program since 2019.
More widely known by his middle name, Kimi, he was born in Bologna, Italy, in 2006 and was raised there. In April 2019, he joined the Mercedes Junior Program, after numerous triumphs and awards in junior karting divisions.
Kimi went on to win the WSK Euro Series and Super Master Series titles in the OK Junior category during that season. Additionally, he finished as runner-up in the FIA European Karting Championship and claimed fifth place in the FIA Karting World Championship.
In 2020, he transitioned to the OK class and triumphed in the FIA European Karting Championship and WSK Euro Series.
Throughout 2021, Antonelli participated in several international karting series in the OK class, once again emerging as the winner of the FIA European Championship. At the end of the season, he made the transition to single-seater racing in the Italian Formula 4, competing in the last three rounds with Prema. He displayed impressive speed and achieved podium finishes.
In 2022, he permanently transitioned to Formula 4 and impressively won the ADAC and Italian titles with Prema Racing. In 2023, he moved up to Formula Regional, where he emerged victorious in the Middle East version of the series. Additionally, he also won the Formula Regional European Championship title with Alpine, securing five victories.
For 2024, Kimi progressed to Formula 2 with Prema, racing alongside F1 support. Currently, he is in ninth position, with his most notable achievement being a fourth place at Albert Park in the previous race.
© 2024
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