Kimi Antonelli expresses his desire to stand alongside Lewis Hamilton on the podium in his debut Formula 1 season.
With Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari on a multi-year deal, Mercedes has already chosen his replacement. During the Italian GP weekend, the Silver Arrows announced their 2025 lineup, confirming Andrea Kimi Antonelli would drive alongside George Russell.
The 18-year-old’s impressive performances in junior categories likely influenced the team’s decision. Antonelli expressed his admiration for Hamilton and already sees himself standing alongside the Briton on the podium next season.
Kimi Antonelli when first met Lewis Hamilton didn’t expect him to be so kind as he is. Antonelli explained that Hamilton often talks to him as nowadays he’s present at every race event. He explained that the Briton shares advice and insights about racing which the 18-year-old really appreciates.
Antonelli also noted that he and Hamilton have a similar driving style. Both drivers prefer a car that understeers, meaning the front of the car doesn’t turn as sharply as it could. This setup provides more stability and makes it easier to control the car in corners.
I didn’t expect it, he’s very kind and talks to me a lot, and the style is similar to mine with a very understeering car.
Kimi Antonelli told Sky Sports Italy
The 2024 Singapore GP presented a tough challenge for Lewis Hamilton as he struggled with pace during the race weekend. While discussing his struggles with his engineers, the 18-year-old was also present, observing closely. Antonelli expressed that he listened intently to Hamilton’s insights about the car’s issues and how he communicated with the team.
The Italian found this experience invaluable which provided him with a real insight into how things work in F1. Antonelli claims that if he ends up next to Hamilton on the podium, it would be a big event in his career.
I was in Singapore and listening to him dialogue with engineers, i learned a lot. If i end up on the podium next year in front of him? It would be a big event.
Kimi Antonelli explained.
Franz Toast claims Toto Wolff will prepare Kimi Antonelli well for the races
Former F1 team boss Franz Tost shared his thoughts on Kimi Antonelli and the challenges he will face in Formula 1. Tost emphasized that Antonelli, being so young, will encounter immense pressure, especially in a high-stakes environment like Mercedes. Teams like the Silver Arrows set high expectations and demand a great deal of focus from their drivers.
However, Tost believes that team principal Toto Wolff and his staff will prepare the 18-year-old in the best possible way for the upcoming season. This thorough preparation is crucial for Antonelli to adapt quickly to the intense demands of F1 and excel in his debut season.
It’s always a little bit difficult for a young driver to come into a works team, especially to a team like Mercedes, because there you are really focused [on], but I’m sure that Toto [Wolff, Mercedes boss] and his team will prepare him in the best possible way for the next season.
Franz Toast told Formula 1
Certainly, With just six races left in the 2024 season, Kimi Antonelli is set to officially race for Mercedes soon. The German manufacturing team currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite demonstrating strong performances, they now struggle with a lack of speed, which has hindered their progress in the standings.
