Mercedes is facing a pivotal decision as they anticipate Lewis Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. The team’s principal, Toto Wolff, is reportedly eager to avoid a repeat of missing out on Max Verstappen and is eyeing Kimi Antonelli, a rising star in their driver academy, as a potential replacement.
Hamilton and his teammate George Russell were initially contracted until the end of the 2025 season, but Hamilton activated an exit clause to join Ferrari, leaving Wolff with a significant challenge in navigating the upcoming driver market. While names like Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, and Alex Albon have been floated as options, there’s a growing sentiment within Mercedes that Antonelli, who is set to debut in Formula Two with PREMA Racing, could be the ideal successor to Hamilton.
Wolff’s determination to secure Antonelli stems partly from his regret over missing out on Verstappen’s talent earlier in the Dutchman’s career. Despite Mercedes’ willingness to support Verstappen through the junior ranks, Red Bull offered him a direct path to Formula One, where he debuted with Toro Rosso in 2015 and has since become a three-time world champion.
Reflecting on Antonelli’s potential, Wolff emphasized the youngster’s long-standing affiliation with Mercedes, having been part of their junior program since the age of 11. His impressive junior career further bolsters his candidacy as a future star for the team.
Hamilton’s impending departure has shaken the Formula One world, prompting Mercedes to carefully evaluate their options for the future. With Antonelli emerging as a frontrunner, Wolff is determined not to let history repeat itself, hoping to secure the talented teenager as the team’s next marquee driver.
The upcoming season promises to be a “silly season” in the driver market, with various teams and drivers considering their next moves. Amidst this uncertainty, Mercedes sees Antonelli as a beacon of hope, potentially ushering in a new era of success for the Silver Arrows.
As the speculation intensifies and the countdown to Hamilton’s departure continues, all eyes are on Mercedes and their quest to find a worthy successor to one of the sport’s most iconic figures. For now, the spotlight shines on Antonelli, whose meteoric rise through the ranks could culminate in a dream opportunity to lead one of Formula One’s most prestigious teams.
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