The Formula 1 grid will witness a significant change in 2025 with Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari. This move marks the end of a historic partnership that saw Hamilton win six of his seven world championships with the German team. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledges that Hamilton's departure signals the beginning of a new chapter for the team.
While Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell will remain with the team next season, it has yet to be determined who will be his teammate. The favorite appears to be Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a young and promising talent from Formula 2, despite his relatively lack of experience. Wolff is aware of the challenge of filling the void left by Hamilton, who has been more than just a driver for the team.
“Lewis is more than a driver; he is an iconic figure widely recognized. His presence has brought unparalleled attention to Mercedes and to Formula 1 as a whole,” Wolff noted in an interview.
As Mercedes prepares for this transition, Wolff acknowledges that the future is uncertain. “We are entering a new era for Mercedes, and while I cannot predict who will emerge as the key figure in this next chapter, we are hopeful for continued success,” he added.
Although Mercedes dreamed of attracting Max Verstappen, the current three-time world champion, reports suggest that Antonelli is likely to be announced as Hamilton's successor during the Italian Grand Prix weekend in early September.
Mercedes has been preparing Antonelli for a future in F1, accelerating his trajectory from FRECA to Formula 2. While his rookie season has mainly been about gaining experience, Antonelli has already made a name for himself by consistently qualifying ahead of his teammate Oliver Bearman, who is expected to join Haas in 2025.
Mercedes' Transition: Preparing for the Future
Antonelli has also secured two wins this season, one in the sprint race in England and another in the main event at the Hungarian Grand Prix. At Silverstone, Antonelli shared that he had a conversation with Toto Wolff after qualifying, emphasizing how Wolff's advice boosted his confidence.
As one of the top talents in junior motorsport categories, Antonelli has already accumulated titles in various categories, including Italian and German F4, Formula Regional Middle East, and FRECA. If Mercedes follows through with this plan, Antonelli will become one of the youngest drivers to compete in Formula 1, joining Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
As Formula 1 enters its traditional summer break, all eyes will be on the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, scheduled for August 23 to 25, where the future of Mercedes' driver lineup may become clearer.
