Mercedes may wait until November to select Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, since Toto Wolff is still unsure about the driver. Antonelli is apparently leading the fight to drive the second Mercedes alongside George Russell, perhaps giving up on Max Verstappen after it was revealed they are not currently in talks over a race seat. Whether Toto Wolff will start Antonelli in the Mercedes in 2025 is up in the air. Extra information provided by Pablo Hidalgo.
Though the 17-year-old Italian has received a lot of attention, Antonelli is still getting used to Formula 2 after missing Formula 3. With a hat-trick of P4s, he scored 48 points with Prema to rank ninth in the Drivers’ standings. He is now aiming for his maiden podium. Yet, the long-time junior has been heralded as Mercedes’ future, and with Wolff indicating he is in the race to succeed Hamilton next season, he may yet make another significant breakthrough.
He told DAZN, “I would very much like to see him in Formula 1 next year.” “Whether that’s as a test driver, with us, or with another team… I’m not sure yet. Wolff told Spanish media, including PlanetF1.com, that “no talks taking place” with Verstappen at this time, despite the fact that he is still in talks with Antonelli. However, that does not preclude their occurrence in the future. Mercedes has to create “a good car or the best car, drivers will want to drive in that car,” according to the Red Bull team chief, during a period when the team is still winning races and titles. That needs to be our first concern.
In the brutal reality of the sport there is no place for dreams.” How the 2025 F1 grid is shaping up 👉The eight drivers out of contract at the end of the F1 2024 season 👉F1 2025 driver line-up: Who is already confirmed for the 2025 grid? Max Verstappen lingers but Carlos Sainz is out But that doesn’t mean the dream isn’t lingering even if it is in the background.
Asked about Carlos Sainz, who was dropped by Ferrari in favour of signing Hamilton, Wolff ruled out a straight swap as he wants a “new” path forward for Mercedes. A path that could still include Verstappen. “We want to go in a completely new generation. If it is with Kimi or see what Max does,” he said. “I didn’t want to have Carlos wait anymore. I think we may take a decision in November. “Carlos is a race winner in Ferrari but it all came down to the decision that Ferrari said: ‘we want to have Lewis Hamilton in the car for next year’.”
Regarding his soon-to-be-former driver, Hamilton, who has won seven Grand Prix, Wolff was all praise for the driver he referred to as the “most iconic Formula 1 driver.” Together, we’ve won numerous events and championships. He is someone we will always hold dear. He added that he would need some time to get used to seeing the red-clad Briton. “It will make a nice early-months snapshot. It will take some getting used to seeing him in red. He went on, “But Ferrari is Ferrari.