Mercedes officially confirm Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for 2025

Mercedes announces its driver line-up for 2025 season, pairing Kimi Antonelli with George Russell amidst Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari switch.

Mercedes officially confirm Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for 2025

Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Mercedes shocked the F1 community after signing Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 season. Antonelli was provided with George Russell’s W15 for FP1 outing at the Italian GP on Friday. However, that didn’t turn out well and the Italian ended up crashing into the barrier without even completing a lap. Now, Mercedes officially announced their driver lineup including Kimi Antonelli on social media.

Toto Wolff was excited to announce Mercedes driver lineup for the 2025 season which features George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. He mentioned that the combination of their experience, talent, youth, and raw speed will create a strong and dynamic team. Wolff believed that both drivers bring unique strengths to the table, and their partnership will be beneficial for the team. He was confident that their mix of skills and experience will lead to great results.

Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and out-and-out raw speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership.
Toto Wolff said in the official announcement on MercedesamgF1.com
YouTube video

Toto Wolff highlighted that Mercedes new driver line-up is perfectly suited to start the next chapter for the team. Wolff emphasized that the choice not only marks an exciting new phase but also demonstrates the strength of their junior program. It shows their confidence in developing drivers from within their own system. This highlighted Mercedes commitment to nurturing and believing in home-grown talent.

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Our new line-up is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in home-grown talent.
Toto Wolff added.
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Kimi Antonelli fulfills childhood dream of reaching F1

Kimi Antonelli expressed immense excitement and a sense of achievement upon being announced as a Mercedes works driver for 2025. He noted that reaching Formula 1 had been his childhood dream and represents a major career milestone. Antonelli was very thankful for the team’s support and confidence throughout his career, which was essential in reaching this milestone. Driving for Mercedes and partnering with George Russell proved the team’s faith in him and the hard work he invested.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (via IMAGO)
It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025. Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me.
Kimi Antonelli stated.

Certainly, Kimi Antonelli is thrilled to drive alongside George Russell in 2025 and is delighted to see his childhood dream come true. Fans hope the 18-year-old will help the Silver Arrows achieve success and wish him good fortune on his new journey as a Formula 1 driver.

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