Mercedes starlet ‘could’ replace Hamilton in 2025

After an impressive start in the single-seater world, Mercedes baby Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set for a potential F1 debut at the start of the 2025 season.

The 17-year-old sensation quickly rose through the ranks and secured a coveted F2 spot for next season with Prema Racing. Since joining the Mercedes junior team in 2019, Antonelli has been recognized as a potential successor to the legendary Lewis Hamilton and has attracted attention for his unique talent.

With Hamilton under contract until the end of the 2025 season, the Italian prodigy has emerged as a contender for an F1 seat, potentially joining one of Mercedes’ prized customer teams. Antonelli is on the verge of realizing his Formula 1 dream sooner than expected, according to a report from F1.com’s Lawrence Barretto. Stay tuned to see the rising star’s journey unfold on the fast tracks of Formula 1. “The 17-year-old is so well regarded that he is skipping F3 and heading straight to F2 this year, making his series debut in Prema alongside [Ollie] Beerman,” wrote Barretto.

“If he continues with the tremendous success he has had so far, he could be in contention for a place next year. Even if there is no place for him at Mercedes, Toto Wolff could place him in another team to increase his experience.

“He did the same with George Russell at Williams, maybe they are looking for a driver for 2025.