Eddie Jordan, a notable figure in Formula 1, has expressed his reservations regarding Mercedes’ decision to sign Kimi Antonelli as the replacement for seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. With Hamilton deviating to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, the focus turned to who would fill the void left by the most successful driver in Formula 1 history.
In an unexpected twist, Mercedes selected Kimi Antonelli, a star from their junior team and two-time Formula 2 race winner, to race alongside George Russell. Antonelli had also participated in several Mercedes TPC (testing of previous car) sessions, earning him praise from David Coulthard, a 13-time Grand Prix winner, as “possibly the best-prepared rookie on the grid”.
However, not all are convinced by this decision, and Eddie Jordan is among the skeptics. Despite acknowledging the substantial financial savings Mercedes is reportedly making by signing Antonelli – estimated to be around $50 million annually as compared to Hamilton’s 2024 base salary of $55 million as reported by Forbes – Jordan argues that Carlos Sainz would have been a more suitable choice.
In response to Coulthard’s remarks about Mercedes’ hefty investment in preparing Antonelli for his debut F1 season, Jordan retorted, “But you say it’s an investment David, just cast your mind, they’re probably saving 50 million on the current salary with Lewis Hamilton.”
Jordan went on to express his doubts about Antonelli’s capabilities, saying, “Because with the greatest of respect, you know, you cannot do it in your first year. And if he does, I will be the first to say, ‘hallelujah brother, you’ve done an amazing job’. Because it just doesn’t come across to me just yet and I know I may have to eat my words, because the guy is going to be sensational, but overall, it’s a big ask. It’s a big ask for Mercedes to expect him to be able to do that.”
Jordan strongly believes that if Mercedes had a burning desire to clinch the Constructors’ Championship, the selection of Carlos Sainz over the rookie Antonelli would have been a wiser move. However, Sainz has since signed a multi-year agreement with Williams, sharing the garage with Alex Albon.
In conclusion, while Mercedes’ choice of Antonelli may have saved them millions, only time will tell if it proves to be a wise investment in their pursuit of the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Championship.