In a surprise move, Mercedes has announced that Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli will join the team alongside George Russell next season, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who is set to depart for Ferrari.
Antonelli, who celebrated his 18th birthday last weekend, has been promoted from the team’s junior program. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy… I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.”
Antonelli’s first F1 drive ended in a spectacular crash during Friday’s practice session for the Italian Grand Prix. However, team chief Toto Wolff was unfazed, calling it “unfortunate but all part of the learning curve.” Antonelli is expected to get another chance in a Mercedes F1 car at the Mexican GP in October.
Antonelli has had a stellar youth career, winning multiple championships in Formula 4 and Formula 2. He currently sits seventh in the Formula 2 championship with four rounds to go.
Wolff expressed confidence in Antonelli’s abilities, saying, “He apologised first of all, and that is what you need to do when you bring a car back that looks a little bit like a Lego box falling on the floor.”
