Video: Mercedes takes a risk by hiring new F1 drivers for 2025

In the realm of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, if securing the services of Max Verstappen proves impossible, the most favorable alternative is to acquire a driver who possesses qualities similar to Verstappen. This is exactly the approach Mercedes is taking in seeking a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025. For some time, Mercedes has been considering Andrea Kimi Antonelli, also known as Kimi Antonelli, as the next prodigious talent. Since his signing in April 2019 as a 12-year-old karting prodigy, Antonelli has consistently stood out as the shining star within the Mercedes development program. With Hamilton’s unexpected departure, it seems that Antonelli is poised to make his debut in a Mercedes car much sooner than anticipated, possibly as George Russell’s teammate in 2025.