As Kimi Antonelli prepares to make his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes, the 18-year-old sensation is making one thing clear—he is not here to replace Lewis Hamilton.
With Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari, Antonelli has been handed the monumental task of stepping into one of the most coveted seats in motorsport. But rather than viewing himself as the next Hamilton, the Italian prodigy insists he’s here to forge his own path.
“I feel like I’m just a new Mercedes driver,” Antonelli told Sky Sports.
“Saying that I’m replacing Lewis Hamilton I don’t think is really correct because he’s such a big figure in the sport and has done so much.”
“I just want to make my way, achieve great results, and be successful.”
Antonelli’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of stunning, but with it comes the pressure of stepping into a seat that has won multiple world championships.
A Fast-Tracked Career: Antonelli’s High-Speed Ascent to F1
Antonelli’s journey to Formula 1 has been one of the most rapid promotions in modern F1 history.
🔹 2022: Competes in Formula Regional
🔹 2023: Moves up to Formula 2
🔹 2024: Skips a full F2 season, focusing on Mercedes testing program
🔹 2025: Joins Mercedes F1 as their youngest full-time driver in decades
His testing workload in previous F1 machinery has been crucial in preparing him for the elite level, but even Antonelli admits that racing against the world’s best will be a whole new challenge.
“It’s not going to be easy, because at the end of the day, I’m racing against the 19 best drivers in the world.”
“F1 can be brutal sometimes, but I’m just going to stay focused on myself, work day by day, weekend by weekend, and try to improve.”
Mercedes’ Big Gamble: Can Antonelli Handle the Pressure?
With no F1 race experience and skipping a full season of Formula 2, Antonelli’s promotion is one of the boldest driver moves Mercedes has ever made. But Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been unwavering in his belief that the Italian teenager is the real deal.
Mercedes will be leaning heavily on veteran reserve driver Valtteri Bottas to help Antonelli adapt, and with George Russell leading the team, the rookie will have one of the best teammates to learn from.
A Historic Rookie Class in 2025
Antonelli isn’t the only fresh face on the grid this season. 2025 will see one of the biggest rookie classes in years, with six drivers making their full-time F1 debuts:
✅ Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
✅ Liam Lawson (RB F1 Team)
✅ Oliver Bearman (Haas)
✅ Jack Doohan (Alpine)
✅ Isack Hadjar (RB F1 Team)
✅ Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
With so many young talents entering F1 at the same time, the battle for Rookie of the Year could be one of the most exciting storylines of the season.
The Big Question: Can Antonelli Live Up to the Hype?
Replacing a seven-time world champion is an impossible expectation for any rookie, but Antonelli is staying grounded and determined to focus on his own journey.
His raw talent is undeniable, but will he be able to handle the high-pressure world of Mercedes F1?
One thing is certain—the entire motorsport world will be watching when Antonelli makes his debut in Melbourne.