Lewis Hamilton has expressed his preference for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to join Mercedes for the 2025 F1 season if he were in Toto Wolff’s position.
Earlier this year, Hamilton made headlines by announcing his departure from Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari on a multi-year deal. This decision came just five months after he had signed a two-year extension with Mercedes, from which he activated a break clause before the first season of the new contract had even started.
As speculation about his replacement grows, several names have been mentioned, including Carlos Sainz, whom Hamilton will replace at Ferrari, and reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. However, the 17-year-old Mercedes junior driver Antonelli, currently racing in F2, is seen as the top candidate to take Hamilton’s seat next year.
In a recent interview ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, his first appearance in Italy since confirming his move to Ferrari, Hamilton endorsed Antonelli. When asked if he would support Mercedes signing Sainz as his successor, Hamilton said, “Carlos is a great driver and would be an asset to any team. However, if it were my decision, I’d opt for a young talent like Kimi.”
The FIA recently confirmed that they received a special dispensation request to allow Antonelli to compete in F1 before his 18th birthday, which he will celebrate on August 25, during the Dutch Grand Prix. It’s speculated that Mercedes might place Antonelli with Williams, replacing Logan Sargeant, to assess his performance alongside Alex Albon before deciding on promoting him for the 2025 season.
Antonelli has begun an extensive F1 test program, driving previous Mercedes cars at Imola and the Red Bull Ring. He is also believed to have participated in a comparison test with reserve driver Mick Schumacher at Silverstone to evaluate his potential.
However, in Miami, Toto Wolff downplayed the possibility of Antonelli joining the F1 grid during the 2024 season, stating, “These rumors have taken on a life of their own. We should focus on Formula 2 first, as the team has many other priorities to address.”
