{"id":22568,"date":"2024-08-01T04:07:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T08:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=22568"},"modified":"2024-08-01T04:07:02","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T08:07:02","slug":"kimi-antonelli-has-clear-path-to-mercedes-f1-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/01\/kimi-antonelli-has-clear-path-to-mercedes-f1-seat\/","title":{"rendered":"Kimi Antonelli has clear path to Mercedes F1 seat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mercedes are diverting more resources into preparing Kimi Antonelli for F1<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although Kimi Antonelli<\/a> has been linked to F1 for some time, the evidence for the 17-year-old’s arrival at Mercedes<\/a> has never been stronger. The Silver Arrows have made Antonelli their priority ahead of the 2025 season. Excluding a shock change in the market, the young Italian will drive for Mercedes next season.<\/p>\n

When Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari announced their contract agreement, the entire F1 world was shocked – including Mercedes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Brackley-based team was forced to recalibrate itself and adjust to losing its marquee driver.<\/p>\n

Initially, several more established names were suggested as potential replacements for the 7-time World Champion. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz were among them.<\/p>\n

Toto Wolff<\/a> even mentioned Max Verstappen<\/a> as a realistic target in the early months of 2024.<\/p>\n

Whilst this move was widely dismissed at the time the instability at Red Bull could give the Silver Arrows an opening.<\/p>\n

Still, excluding a dramatic U-turn from the Dutchman, none of these well-known figures will sign with Mercedes.<\/p>\n

Toto Wolff’s personnel are expected to welcome Kimi Antonelli next season, with the Mercedes team principal already describing the youngster as their priority.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>