Who is Kimi Antonelli touted to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is a name that stands out prominently within the Formula One community. This rising talent has also been likened to a younger version of Max Verstappen, showcasing greatness at an extremely young age.

However, recent speculations have surprised spectators, as certain sources suggest the potential for Antonelli to step into Lewis Hamilton’s position at Mercedes.

Who is Kimi Antonelli?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, at the flourishing age of 17 years old, has severely impressed significant individuals in the motorsports industry. The Italian racing driver started his karting career at the age of 7 and has won numerous victories in several racing categories since 2014.

After just three weeks of turning 15, in 2021 Antonelli made his single-seater debut in the fifth round of the 2021 Italian F4 Championship, driving for Prema at the Red Bull Ring, finishing the campaign as the best rookie. In 2022, which was his first full season, he clinched the honour of securing the ADAC F4, along with the FIA Motorsport Games Formula 4 Cup in the same year.

Soon afterwards, in 2023, after winning both titles at the Formula Regional Middle East and European Championships, the young driver will face the most significant part of his life by taking part in the Formula Two Championship with Prema Racing in the upcoming season before permanently entering Formula One.

F1 analyst claims Kimi Antonelli likely to replace Lewis Hamilton

Will Buxton, a motorsport journalist, claims that if Antonelli manages to win the Formula Two Championship in his rookie year, Mercedes will most likely be bound to focus on his talent and might hire him as the next potential star driver.

The Silver Arrows team has been facing a huge gap in their team development in the absence of Lewis Hamilton’s presence. While many other drivers are associated with the team for the 2025 season, there is a higher possibility of Antonelli potentially driving for Mercedes, especially due to his young age and ability to jump to Formula Two within a short period of time.

Buxton, remarkably impressed with the Mercedes junior, said, “Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to contest Formula 2 this season, having been skipped past Formula 3 by the three-pointed star. Should he win the title in 2024, Toto Wolff has already hinted the team might make a “bold” call on its 2025 line-up.”

Do you think Antonelli will be the suitable replacement for Lewis Hamilton? Tell us about your opinions in the comment section below.