After months of negotiations and rumors, it's now finally official. Kimi Antonelli to be a Mercedes driver for 2025 and Italy will have a driver in Formula 1 again after 4 years. Mercedes waited until Andrea Kimi Antonelli turned 18 before announcing him at their home Grand Prix in Monza. Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton, joining George Russell for next season.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli had the chance to test himself before his debut as an official driver in FP1 at Monza in place of George Russell. Despite the debut ending very early due to an accident, this did not affect the plans of Mercedes, who believe a lot in the Italian. With Kimi's announcement, Mercedes also closes its lineup for next year, leaving Stake and Visa Cash App RB the task of choosing the last two drivers who will complete the grid for the 2025 season.
The words of Wolff and Antonelli
“It’s an incredible feeling to be announced as a Mercedes driver alongside George for 2025,” says Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
“Reaching F1 is a dream I have had since I was a kid; I want to thank the team for the support they have given me in my career so far and the faith they have shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity.”
“I will focus on improving and delivering the best possible results for the team.”
“I’m also very excited to be George’s teammate. He came through the team’s junior program just like me and is someone I have a lot of respect for.”
“He is super fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to do well on track.”
These are the words of the team principal and his mentor, Toto Wolff.
“Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and raw speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi will bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership. Our new line-up is a perfect fit to open the next chapter in our history. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior program and our belief in homegrown talent.”
“George has proven himself to be one of the best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent and determined, but has also become a strong leader within the team. Kimi has consistently demonstrated the talent and speed needed to compete at the top of our sport. We know it will be another big step forward, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year and we will support him every step of the way.”
