When seven-time World Drivers’ Champ Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to Ferrari, many speculated about which driver would step in to replace the large gap he would leave behind at the Silver Arrows.
Mercedes were quick to announce the driver who will be joining current driver George Russel; the young, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli.
With the 2025 Formula 1 season kicking off mid-March in Australia, fans were eagerly awaiting to see how Antonelli, and other rookies joining the grid, will do. The grid saw a significant shake-up, with drivers hopping to other teams and new drivers joining ranks.
Other rookies taking their seats include Oliver Bearman, Isack Hadjar, and Jack Doohan. Fans looking to engage with the sport at wager on the success of these rookies against legends like Hamilton and Fernando Alonso should head to the top non-Gamstop betting sites to see the odds of these young drivers and how they’ll stack up.
Antonelli is not a replacement
Many people called Antonelli a “replacement” for Hamilton, but the rookie driver has spoken about this comparison, rejecting the notion completely.
Hamilton’s announcement of his move shook the racing world more than any driver or team announcement ever before, and many are aware of the large shoes that Antonelli will have to fill at Mercedes, especially since the team was on an upward trajectory at the end of 2024 following a frustrating 2023 season.
Antonelli addressed the statements when speaking to Sky Sports, saying: “I feel like I’m just a new Mercedes driver. Saying that I’m replacing Lewis Hamilton I don’t think is really correct because he’s such a big figure in the sport and he has done so much.
“I feel like I’m just the next Mercedes driver and really want to make my way and achieve great results and be successful.”
A promising talent
Mercedes were quick to spot the generational talent in Antonelli. His dad, Marco, is a former Italian racing driver who owns the AKM/Antonelli Motorsports team. Kimi has been a powerhouse from a young age.
He skipped Formula 3, and completed only a single Formula 2 season before Mercedes signed him. He ended sixth in the standings at the end of the 2024 F2 season, impressing motorsport fans when he won the Silverstone Sprint Race and the Hungary Grand Feature Race at the Hungaroring.
He might not have had any Formula 1 experience at the time, but Mercedes had been putting him through his paces in a tough testing program.
And, Antonelli’s goal for the year? To win races. “The mindset is going to be the one of trying to go on track and win,” he said.
He is well aware that he is racing against the top 19 drivers in the world, but he is committed to remaining focused on his own goals and the performance of the team.
Mercedes announced ex-Mercedes driver and 10-time race winner Valterri Bottas as their reserve driver and the team wants Bottas to coach the rookie through his first season. Bottas drove for Mercedes for five years, driving alongside Hamilton, and therefore will have plenty of experience to share.
