Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12) prepares to drive in practice ahead of the 2024 F1 Italian Grand Prix (Photo by Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton's future replacement, Kimi Antonelli, recently talked about his trip to Mercedes factories in Brixworth and Brackley. The young Italian was delighted to know more about the team he would make his F1 debut with.
After Ferrari announced that they had recruited Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season, Mercedes was compelled to hunt for a successor. Rumors circulated that the Silver Arrows were considering drivers such as Max Verstappen of Red Bull, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, and their young driver Kimi Antonelli. They ultimately chose to offer their protégé the seat.
Mercedes also granted Antonelli the chance to make his F1 debut at his home race, the Italian Grand Prix, prior to announcing him as their permanent driver. The Italian drove George Russell's car in the FP1 session at Monza. However, he retired from the session after crashing at the Parabolica turn. Despite his crash, Mercedes chose to offer him the position for 2025.
