Antonelli became the new Mercedes driver for the next season. What do you need to know about him?

In early February, Lewis Hamilton made a shocking announcement that he would be leaving the Mercedes team at the end of the 2024 season and would be racing for Ferrari next year.

Following this, Mercedes began searching for a replacement for the legendary driver, and now the name of the new driver has been officially revealed. Mercedes has announced its driver lineup for the 2025 season, with 18 year old Andrea Kimi Antonelli joining George Russell on the team.

The Italian began karting at the age of seven and quickly found success. He won the Easykart International Grand Final (Easy 60), the South Garda Winter Cup, the WSK Champions Cup, the WSK Super Master Series, the WSK Euro Series, and became a two-time CIK-FIA European Karting Champion in 2020 and 2021.

Antonelli began competing in Italian Formula 4 at the age of 15 for Ferrari's junior team. In the 2021 season, he finished 10th in the standings despite missing much of the season and placed fourth in the rookie championship.

In 2022, Antonelli participated in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, where he secured the title. That same year, he competed in the UAE Formula 4 Championship, where he won three consecutive races and reached the podium in the third round, ultimately finishing eighth in the standings.

Additionally, in 2022, he competed in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, where he achieved numerous victories, secured the majority of pole positions, and set the fastest lap times, ultimately winning the championship with one race remaining in the season.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Antonelli competed in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, where he clinched the championship title. He then participated in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema, where he won the championship after a victory in the second race.

Antonelli's impressive results allowed him to skip Formula 3 and move directly to the second tier. This season, he is racing for Prema Racing in Formula 2. Currently, he ranks seventh in the Formula 2 standings, with one win and another podium finish to his name.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has already commented on the decision, expressing excitement about the combination of youth and experience in the team. As reported by the BBC, he stated:

"Our new lineup is the perfect fit to open the next chapter in our history. It also speaks to the strength of our junior program and our belief in homegrown talent.

George has proven himself to be one of the best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined but has also become a strong leader in the team.

Kimi consistently shows the talent and speed required to compete at the very top of our sport."

Antonelli himself stated that joining a Formula 1 team has been his dream:

"It’s an incredible feeling to be announced as a Mercedes driver alongside George for 2025.

Getting into Formula 1 has been a dream of mine since childhood. I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career and the trust they’ve shown in me. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel ready for this opportunity.

I’ll be focused on improving and delivering the best results for the team."