At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Bologna is poised to make history as Mercedes’ newest Formula 1 driver, stepping into the seat of the legendary Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
The young Italian, a standout in the junior categories and a Mercedes junior driver, is embracing his meteoric rise to the pinnacle of motorsport with humility, focus, and a nod to his idols.
“I Haven’t Realized It Yet”
Antonelli’s rise to Formula 1 has been swift, but the magnitude of his achievement hasn’t fully sunk in for the teenager. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he confessed, “I haven’t realised it yet. Maybe it will happen in Melbourne next year. It will be very exciting.”
Despite the overwhelming excitement, Antonelli remains grounded. “Right now, I’m just thinking about how I can improve myself,” he explained. “I’m trying to concentrate fully on my task and imagine different situations. I’ll certainly be nervous, but I’ll still try to concentrate on my job.”
Filling Big Shoes
Replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes is no small task, but Antonelli is determined to chart his own path. “It’s not possible to replace Lewis Hamilton. He’s such a great figure in the sport and has achieved so much in his career,” Antonelli said, acknowledging the gravity of the role he’s stepping into. “I don’t want to be seen as his replacement. I’m just the next driver for Mercedes in 2025, and I’m really excited for that.”
Racing Max Verstappen and Honoring Senna’s Legacy
Antonelli is well aware of the challenges that await him, including competing against reigning champion Max Verstappen. Reflecting on his brief interactions with Verstappen, Antonelli said, “I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he’s a great person. I’ve also competed against him in the simulator. On the track, he’s considered very tough, but off the track he’s very relaxed and normal.”
While Verstappen may dominate today, Antonelli’s inspiration hails from the past: Ayrton Senna. “Senna is my idol,” he declared. “I didn’t get to see him race live, but watching him drive through old footage, I could see how special he was. He always got the best out of everything he did. Through those videos, he’s become my inspiration.”
A New Era for Mercedes
As Mercedes transitions into its post-Hamilton era, Antonelli’s arrival signals a fresh chapter for the Silver Arrows. With the pressure of following in the footsteps of one of the greatest drivers in history, Antonelli remains focused on his own journey.
“I’m here to do my best and make my own story,” he concluded, determined to carry forward the legacy of greatness at Mercedes while carving out his unique identity. Fans of the sport eagerly await his debut as the youngest driver in Mercedes’ modern history and a potential new star in the making.
