Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been promoted from his function as Mercedes junior driver to Mercedes Formulation 1 driver, beginning in 2025.

Antonelli, who goes by Kimi, is an 18-year-old from Italy that’s finishing his first yr in Formulation 2. The son of a former GT racer, Antonelli’s 4 championships in 4 separate junior collection in 2022 and 2023 led him to make the soar to F2, skipping F3 solely.

The Italian is at present sixth in F2 standings, with two wins. He can be changing Lewis Hamilton, who has gained six drivers championships with Mercedes, within the seat.

Though he was already introduced to have a multi-year contract final yr, George Russell was additionally confirmed to be racing for the Silver Arrows as soon as once more subsequent season.

“It’s a tremendous feeling to be introduced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” Antonelli is quoted as saying within the announcement. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I used to be a small boy; I need to thank the crew for the assist they’ve given me in my profession up to now and the religion they’ve proven in me. I’m nonetheless studying loads, however I really feel prepared for the chance.”

“I’m actually excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025,” Russell, who at present sits eighth in F1 standings with a win in Austria, stated. “His document in junior formulation has been formidable and his promotion is really deserved. He’s a unbelievable younger expertise and a fellow graduate of our junior programme. I stay up for utilizing the expertise I’ve gained from my very own journey to offer steering to Kimi as he makes the step as much as F1.”

“George has proved that he is likely one of the perfect drivers on this planet,” Staff principal Toto Wolff stated. “He’s not solely quick, constant, and decided, however has additionally developed into a powerful chief inside the crew. Kimi has persistently proven the expertise and velocity wanted to compete on the very high of our sport. 

“We all know will probably be one other huge step up, however he has impressed us in his F1 testing this yr and we can be supporting him each step of the way in which within the studying course of. In George, he has an skilled team-mate from which he can study and hone his craft. I’m assured that each will contribute vastly as we proceed to construct momentum and combat on the entrance of the sphere.”

Mercedes at present sits fourth in constructor standings, with three wins on the yr.