The surprising declaration by Hamilton on February 1 that he would leave Mercedes to join Ferrari created a vacancy for one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1. Mercedes team boss Wolff is now focused on finding a teammate for Russell.
Even before Hamilton mentioned it in Imola, Antonelli was already rumored as the favorite for Mercedes, along with Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon.
When asked who should replace him at Mercedes, Hamilton said: “Carlos is an excellent driver and I believe he would be an asset to any team he joins. Honestly, I have no idea about Toto’s plans, but if it were up to me, I would probably choose Kimi.”
At just 17 years old, the Italian driver is currently juggling private F1 tests with Mercedes while competing in his first Formula 2 season. He skipped Formula 3 after impressive performances in Formula 4 and karting.
However, the focus on Antonelli has been increasing. Mercedes is closely monitoring his progress, especially after the impressive debut of Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman in Jeddah earlier this year. This puts additional pressure on the young driver.
After six races in Formula 2, Antonelli has not yet shown the kind of talent that future champions often display in the category. His best result so far was a fourth place in the Melbourne Feature Race, after an accident in the Sprint Race the day before.
This weekend, Antonelli will have the support of his fans in Imola. However, Mercedes boss Wolff has been trying to manage expectations since the teenager became the top choice.
Wolff stated: “Kimi has been part of our junior academy since he was 11 years old and it has been a joy to see him grow as a young man and progress through the categories. But I also want to ease the pressure on him a bit.”
Despite this, Wolff is confident in Antonelli’s potential, saying: “Kimi is only 17 years old and has already achieved everything he needed in his debut seasons. I believe he will reach Formula 1 and become a very successful driver.”
Former Mercedes driver and 2016 F1 world champion, Nico Rosberg, is cautious about the young driver’s rapid rise. He said: “I have no doubts that Antonelli is a future star, but in my opinion, the timing is not right. It is too early for him to move up to the top class.”
Skipping Formula 3 and going straight to Formula 2 is not the conventional path to F1. Hamilton competed in Formula 3 and GP2 before entering F1, while Max Verstappen jumped from F3 to F1 after excelling in F3. This was also the case for legends like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.
“Toto should wait and see how Antonelli progresses in Formula 2,” Rosberg suggested. “Kimi needs to have a strong season to secure a seat in Formula 1 for 2025. If it is Formula 1, then it seems more logical to develop Antonelli out of the spotlight with a Mercedes partner, like Williams,” proposed Rosberg.
Williams team principal, James Vowles, shared with reporters in Imola on Thursday: “I am currently considering about three options for 2025 and 2026. It’s as simple as that. When we can openly discuss, which won’t take long, we will.”
Therefore, the decision is in Antonelli’s hands. If he wins the Formula 2 Championship and secures the opportunity to partner with Russell at Mercedes, it will be a great achievement. However, once in the elite with a leading team, he will need to perform just like Hamilton did when he joined McLaren in 2007.
It is worth mentioning that Antonelli was born in Bologna, Italy, on August 25, 2006. One day later, Hamilton finished second in the GP2 Series race at Hungaroring.
Sports Tabloid
Youthful Brazilian promise shines on the international scene
The sports world is abuzz with the meteoric rise of young Brazilian soccer player, Pedro Silva. At 19 years old, Pedro is already considered one of the biggest promises in world football. His exceptional skill and talent have caught the eye of major European clubs, who are competing for his signing.
Pedro Silva began his career at a modest Brazilian club, but quickly stood out with his incredible plays and impressive goals. His performance caught the attention of international scouts, who brought him to Europe. Since then, Pedro has shone on the field and won the hearts of fans.
His agile and skillful playing style has been compared to that of great football stars like Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Neymar. Pedro is known for his speed, dazzling dribbles, and precision in shooting. His ability to unsettle the opposing defense has been crucial to his team’s victories.
Rumors about his transfer to a renowned European club have intensified in recent months. Big teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United are interested in having Pedro Silva on their roster. The negotiation promises to be one of the biggest in football history, with astronomical figures involved.
Pedro Silva is an example of overcoming and dedication. His story inspires young soccer players around the world who dream of following in his footsteps and achieving success in the sport. At just 19 years old, he is already considered one of the best players of his generation and has a bright future ahead of him.
Follow closely the trajectory of Pedro Silva and don’t miss any detail of this Brazilian promise that is conquering the world of football. Follow us on social media to stay updated on all the news and updates about Pedro and other great names in sports.
