Kimi Antonelli's Reaction After Signing With Mercedes To Replace Hamilton In 2025

Saturday, 31 August 2024 at 12:02

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has now officially been confirmed as Mercedes's driver for the 2025 season. The announcement shared his first reaction, which you can see below.

On August 31st, 2024, the Mercedes Formula 1 team officially confirmed their full driver line-up for the following season, 2025.

While it was already clear George Russell would be one of the two drivers, the German team postponed announcing the second driver for as long as they could.

However, it seemed clear already before the summer break that the team principal, Toto Wolff, had decided who he wanted in Lewis Hamilton's seat.

It was rumored the official announcement would come during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, and it did. On Saturday, ahead of the FP3 and qualifying session, the German team confirmed Antonelli would complete their lineup for 2025. Kimi Antonelli was quoted in the announcement as saying:

"It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025."

Mercedes 2025 drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell sitting together on a couch, smiling, in the Mercedes hospitality area.

Mercedes's 2025 drivers- Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell

"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."

Kimi Antonelli (who unfortunately crashed Russell's Mercedes during an FP1 crash at Monza) and Russell came up through Mercedes's Junior driver program, and together, they will compose, on average, the youngest driver pairing on the grid in 2025. The 18-year-old added:

"I'm also really excited to become George's team-mate. He came through the team's junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount 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 deliver on track."