Consistent with reports over the past few months, Kimi Antonelli has been announced as a Mercedes driver for 2025. The 18-year-old will join the Silver Arrows alongside George Russell, replacing Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes have put tremendous faith in the youngster, as reflected by Toto Wolff’s comments.
Kimi Antonelli joins Mercedes on a multi-year deal
Toto Wolff reacts to Antonelli deal
Mercedes have implemented an extensive testing programme for Kimi Antonelli this year, giving the Italian the most F1 mileage possible.
In combination with his impressive results in Formula 2, Antonelli’s test sessions with Mercedes have convinced the team to offer him a full-time seat.
Although this is inevitably a risky move, the Silver Arrows are confident in his abilities.
It is understood Antonelli has signed a one-year deal, but with the option to extend further is he meets certain performance criteria.
Toto Wolff, who has eagerly followed the 18-year-old’s progress, is pleased to confirm his promotion:
“Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and out-and-out raw speed.
“We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership.
“Our new line-up is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in home-grown talent.
“George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but has also developed into a strong leader within the team.
“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.
“In George, he has an experienced team-mate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.”
Antonelli reacts to F1 contract
Few drivers have experienced such a high level of scrutiny in their junior careers as Kimi Antonelli.
His debut season will be an intense one, especially since Mercedes will likely compete for race victories in 2025.
Whilst this puts the youngster in a very high-pressure scenario, it also gives him an opportunity to test himself against the best.
Antonelli will have the immensely fast George Russell as his teammate. For a rookie learning and adapting to F1, a teammate of such calibre brings advantages and disadvantages.
Kimi Antonelli believes he is ready for the challenge ahead:
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025.
“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.
“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.”
