In a jaw-dropping turn of events at the 2025 F1 Mexican Grand Prix, legendary seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will step aside to make way for a fresh face in the Ferrari cockpit—Antonio Fuoco. At just 29 years old, Fuoco is not a stranger to success, having carved out a notable career in motorsport, yet he has never graced the Formula 1 stage until now. This moment marks a historic shift as Fuoco takes the wheel of the SF-25 during Friday’s first practice session, ending a staggering 16-year absence of Italian drivers in Ferrari’s lineup during an official F1 event.
Antonio Fuoco, a product of the esteemed Ferrari Driver Academy, has played a pivotal role in the Scuderia’s development efforts, particularly through his work in simulator testing. His technical acumen has been vital to the team’s successes, but it was his recent triumph at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans that truly solidified his status as a rising star. Partnering with Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen, Fuoco drove the iconic 499P number 50 to victory, becoming the seventh Italian to claim an outright win for Ferrari in this legendary endurance race.
As Hamilton passes the torch, Fuoco’s debut is not just a personal milestone. It’s a moment of redemption for Italian motorsport, as the last time a Ferrari fielded an Italian driver in F1 was back in 2009, during a tumultuous time when Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella stepped in for the injured Felipe Massa. Fisichella’s impressive performance led to him sharing the seat with Kimi Raikkonen for the remainder of that season—a testament to the pressure and expectations that come with the Prancing Horse.
Born in Calabria in 1996, Fuoco’s journey began at the tender age of four in the world of karting, where he quickly showcased his talent. By 2013, he had already clinched the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps title, making waves in the competitive circuit. His career continued to skyrocket as he competed in the European Formula 3 Championship, wrapping up his campaign with a commendable fifth-place finish overall. The following year, his entry into the Ferrari Driver Academy set the stage for what many hoped would be an illustrious F1 career.
In 2017, Fuoco shared the Formula 2 paddock with Charles Leclerc, who would go on to dominate and secure a seat at Sauber Ferrari in F1. Now, years later, the two will reunite on track, igniting excitement among fans as they witness their former camaraderie rekindle in the unforgiving arena of Formula 1.
However, Fuoco is not the only rookie making waves this weekend. Several teams have opted to shake things up, fielding new drivers alongside their regulars, ensuring a thrilling atmosphere at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
The spotlight is firmly on Antonio Fuoco as he prepares to make his mark in F1 history. Will he rise to the occasion and prove that the Ferrari legacy is alive and well with fresh Italian talent? The world will be watching as this thrilling saga unfolds!












