According to Lewis Hamilton, he became “quite emotional” upon learning that Andrea Kimi Antonelli would take his place in the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2025.
When Hamilton leaves for Ferrari at the conclusion of this season, Antonelli will take over Hamilton’s seat, as Mercedes revealed on Saturday.
Before the season began, Hamilton decided to exercise a break provision in his Mercedes contract to agree to a switch to Ferrari, which sent shockwaves through the Formula One community.
With six Drivers’ titles and 83 victories since 2013, the Briton’s tenure with Mercedes is the longest-running and most fruitful in the history of the series.
But with nine races left in their productive alliance, Hamilton and Ferrari are still chasing a record eighth championship. Hamilton has signed a multi-term contract with Ferrari.
Hamilton has described the time of the announcement’s release as “surreal,” even though he was informed beforehand that Antonelli would succeed him.
Since I’ve known for a very long time, However, I woke up this morning knowing it will be announced, and it was absolutely quite surreal,” he remarked.
“To have my seat officially confirmed, especially after waiting so long for it,”
It was a really emotional morning for me. However, I’m incredibly delighted for Kimi and this squad. I’m sure Kimi will perform admirably.
Hamilton thinks Antonelli’s steady upbringing and background will aid him when he starts his rookie Formula One season with a winning team.
He continued, “He’s a great kid with a good family around him and a good head on his shoulders.” Extremely gifted. He’s going to do wonderfully, and I’m thrilled for him.
Over the campaign, Hamilton has stated that he has felt a constant sense of anxiety about his Mercedes exit getting closer with every race.
Hamilton said that the emotion has been present all year when asked if it was beginning to show signs of onset since the season resumed in Zandvoort last weekend.
I adore my team and we have been through so much together that we have participated in every race that has been held.Consequently, every race will be emotional because it will be our final race there, and with each race, the last time will draw closer.
It will be difficult for me because I’ll be driving a Mercedes.
The seven-time Formula One champion has stated that his major goal is to regain his one-lap ability, which has been lacking this season, before the season ends.He went on, “My goal right now is to try and do the best job I can for the team and finish on a high.”
“I need to discover who I am in order to be eligible. I just need to figure out how to get back to my former self. My racing pace is excellent.