Official: Antonelli replaces Hamilton and will drive for Mercedes in 2025

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has secured his seat at Mercedes for 2025. He will join George Russell at the German team next season, replacing Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli has been labelled a super talent and is earmarked for big things in the future. This season, he is competing in Formula 2 for the Prema team. He is currently seventh in the championship.

During the winter break, Lewis Hamilton announced he will make the switch to Ferrari next season. From that moment on, Mercedes had to look for a replacement. There was some flirting with Max Verstappen, but the Dutchman decided to stay loyal to Red Bull.

So now Antonelli will get to prove himself at the Silver Arrows. This weekend will be the junior's first race weekend in action in a Formula 1 car. He will drive for Mercedes during the first free practice session. Next season, he will drive his first races in the top class of motorsport.