Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team made a major announcement on Saturday, revealing their driver lineup for the 2025 season.

The team has confirmed that 18-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be promoted from Formula 2 to join current Mercedes driver George Russell on the Formula 1 grid next year.

This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Mercedes, as Antonelli steps into a coveted role within the team’s long-term vision.

The Next Chapter for Mercedes

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, expressed his excitement about the new lineup, stating, “Our 2025 driver lineup combines experience, talent, youth, and raw speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team, both as individual drivers and as a partnership. Our new lineup is perfect to open the next chapter in our story.”

Antonelli’s promotion to the Formula 1 stage follows a remarkable rise through the motorsport ranks, where he consistently demonstrated the speed and skill necessary to compete at the highest level. He graduates from the Mercedes Junior Program, following a path similar to that of Russell, who joined Formula 1 in 2019 after dominating in junior categories.

George Russell’s Role as Mentor

Russell, a multiple Grand Prix winner, will partner with Antonelli, providing guidance as the young Italian steps up to Formula 1. Reflecting on the announcement, Russell shared, “I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in junior formula has been formidable, and his promotion is truly deserved. I look forward to using my experience to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.”

Having been in Antonelli’s shoes as a graduate of the Mercedes Junior Program, Russell acknowledged the value of mentorship, recalling how Lewis Hamilton supported him during his early days with the team. Russell’s leadership within the team is expected to help Antonelli settle into the intense world of Formula 1 racing.

Antonelli’s Rapid Rise Through the Ranks

Antonelli’s journey to Formula 1 has been nothing short of impressive. After joining the Mercedes Junior Program at just 12 years old, he quickly ascended the motorsport ladder, claiming numerous titles in karting and single-seater championships. In 2022, he stormed to victory in both the ADAC and Italian Formula 4 championships, and his success continued in the 2023 Formula Regional European Championship.

In 2024, Antonelli transitioned to Formula 2, where he has already secured two race wins, including a standout performance in Budapest. His talent has not gone unnoticed by Mercedes, with Toto Wolff emphasizing Antonelli’s potential: “Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be a big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year, and we will support him every step of the way.”

A Bright Future for Mercedes

The decision to promote Antonelli reflects Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. The move also signals the team’s forward-thinking approach, with both Russell and Antonelli expected to drive Mercedes into the future as the team continues to build momentum.

While Antonelli’s entry into Formula 1 is sure to attract attention, Wolff urged the media, particularly in Italy, to manage their expectations, emphasizing the need for patience as Antonelli develops in his new role. “You will only find out if someone is ready for F1 when you throw them in the cold water,” Wolff remarked. “Kimi has the talent, intelligence, and ability to do it well, and we need to provide an environment where he can learn and develop.”

What’s Next for Mercedes?

As Mercedes prepares for the 2025 season, speculation continues around the potential for further driver moves, with rumors swirling about Max Verstappen’s future. However, Wolff remains focused on the present, expressing confidence in the Russell-Antonelli partnership as the team gears up for a new era in Formula 1.

With Antonelli’s rise to Formula 1, Mercedes’ Junior Program once again proves its value, producing world-class talent ready to take on the sport’s biggest challenges. As the motorsport world eagerly watches Antonelli’s debut, Mercedes looks poised for a competitive 2025 season with a dynamic new lineup.