Oh boy, it’s happening: Kimi Antonelli will step straight into a Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 seat next season, filling the void left by Lewis Hamilton and his switch to Ferrari.
The 18-year-old Italian has long been regarded by Mercedes as the next big thing, having joined the team’s junior program aged 12 and progressing through karting and Italian F4, before skipping F3 entirely to join the Formula 2 grid at the start of this year. He only has a couple of feature race wins to his name, but Mercedes has seen enough to green-light his graduation to the big time, despite the team having a number of experienced drivers to choose from as potential replacements for Hamilton.
Even Kimi’s new teammate George Russell—an F2 champion and now multiple grand-prix winner—had to spend three years learning the ropes at Williams before being promoted. Blimey.
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“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” said Antonelli. “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.
“I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.”
Ah, on that note: Antonelli was given his first taste of F1 action in free practice at Monza on Friday, and after going quickest of all on his first flying lap he ended his second...in the wall at Parabolica. It was a 45G impact, apparently. Ouch. Luckily, he’s okay.
Team boss Toto Wolff said: “Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year and we will be supporting him every step of the way in the learning process.”
The last time a young hotshot went straight into a competitive car, we vaguely recall it going rather well. Anyone remember that guy’s name? Hmm, it’ll come to us.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
