The seven-time world champion is expected to make the move to Ferrari in 2025 after a successful 12-year stint with Mercedes. Hamilton’s departure has presented the Silver Arrows with the daunting task of finding a replacement for the upcoming season.
The talented F2 Prema Racing driver, who is also affiliated with Mercedes, has been heavily linked as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton. According to the Italian publication Autosprint, it is rumored that Kimi Antonelli will be announced as a driver for the Brackley-based team at Monza this season.
At just 17 years old, Antonelli has made significant strides in the F2 championship this year, earning the necessary points for an F1 super license. In fact, Mercedes has even requested special permission from the FIA to allow Antonelli to compete in F1 before turning 18.
While awaiting a decision on his promotion, Kimi Antonelli will continue to impress with Prema Racing. Meanwhile, Mercedes is eager to secure the services of this young talent who will play a crucial role in their future plans.
A trackside engineer from Mercedes has praised the team for their impressive turnaround this season. Despite a slow start in 2024, the Silver Arrows have now emerged victorious in three out of the last four races.
The engineer, Shovlin, acknowledged that the team initially lacked momentum, which contributed to their struggles. However, he emphasized that Mercedes is now embracing challenges with confidence, thanks to their recent progress.
With an impressive tally of 187 points in the past seven races, the Silver Arrows have showcased their remarkable on-track performance. They are determined to maintain their positive momentum in the second half of the season, aiming to finish on a high note.
Photo from Andrea Kimi Antonelli Instagram
