The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to kick off with one of the most dramatic driver swaps in modern history—Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari and 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli stepping up to fill his seat. But for Antonelli, a Mercedes junior since childhood, there’s something almost poetic—and slightly ironic—about this transition.
“It’s a bit weird because it’s a bit controversial that an Italian driver is going to Mercedes and an English driver is going to Ferrari!”
For decades, Ferrari has been synonymous with Italy, and Mercedes with British drivers and German engineering. Yet, Hamilton—the most successful driver in Mercedes history—is now racing in Ferrari red, while Antonelli, an Italian phenom, is suiting up for the Silver Arrows.
Talk about a plot twist.
Antonelli’s Big Break: Stepping Into the Shoes of a Legend
Antonelli’s promotion to Mercedes at just 18 years old marks one of the boldest rookie debuts in recent history. The Italian has been Mercedes’ golden child, fast-tracked through the ranks after bypassing Formula 3 and heading straight to Formula 2 before landing this massive F1 opportunity.
“I’m super happy with the position I am in, and of course there’s a lot of hype around because [there’s] another new Italian on the grid.”
His arrival ends Italy’s long wait for a homegrown F1 superstar, following the underwhelming Sauber stint of Antonio Giovinazzi. But unlike Giovinazzi, Antonelli isn’t just in F1—he’s driving for a team capable of fighting for championships.
All Eyes on Monza: Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut on Italian Soil
As if Hamilton’s Ferrari switch wasn’t dramatic enough, his first Italian Grand Prix as a Scuderia driver will be a moment unlike anything F1 has seen in years.
Monza—the legendary ‘Temple of Speed’—is already a spectacle, but in 2025, the Tifosi will flood the grandstands in a sea of red to witness Hamilton racing in Ferrari colors for the first time.
“Of course, such a figure like Lewis joining Ferrari is an incredible thing. I think during the Italian Grand Prix there is going to be a lot of excitement around.”
For Ferrari fans, Hamilton represents their greatest shot at a title since the Schumacher era. But for Mercedes, the question is whether Antonelli can be the next big thing.
Italy’s New Hope? Antonelli’s Chance to Bring F1 Glory Home
Hamilton’s Ferrari move is undoubtedly the biggest driver transfer of the decade, but Antonelli’s debut at Mercedes is equally historic for Italian motorsport.
Since Alberto Ascari in 1953, no Italian driver has won a Formula 1 world championship. With Antonelli now in a front-running team, could he finally be the one to bring glory back to Italy?
One thing’s for sure—2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling F1 seasons in recent history.
And for Kimi Antonelli, the journey is just beginning.