‘I’m here to write my own story, not replace Hamilton’

New Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has insisted he does not view himself as filling in for Lewis Hamilton and he is keen to write his own story in Formula 1.

After the seven-time world champion decided he would join Ferrari at the completion of his 12th season at Mercedes, the squad evaluated its options for 2025 and eventually opted for its Italian protege, despite the latter’s inexperience.

Antonelli has long been viewed by Mercedes as a worthy replacement for Hamilton – though it was not expected his services would be required so soon – after he took back-to-back titles in the European karting championship, then won no fewer than four championships in his first two years in single-seaters, before his move to F2.

“I don’t find it right to say I’m his replacement,” Antonelli said about Hamilton. “He has done so much in the sport, and I just feel like the next Mercedes driver, and I really want to make my own story.

“Definitely, racing for Mercedes is a big responsibility because it’s obviously a top team, but at the same time it’s a great opportunity, it’s a privilege to be where I am today. I’m just trying to make the best out of this opportunity.”

Antonelli will become F1’s third-youngest driver ever when he takes part in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix aged 18 years and six months, with only Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll having made earlier debuts.

Having made a bold jump from Formula Regional to F2 in 2024 – which was decided long before Mercedes became aware of Hamilton’s impending departure – Antonelli somewhat struggled in F1’s feeder series but still managed two wins while outqualifying and outscoring highly-rated team-mate Oliver Bearman.

“I think last season was a really, really good lesson,” Antonelli pondered, having finished sixth in the standings. “You know, it’s when the struggle comes that you become stronger and you actually learn how to overcome the struggle.

“I think it was really good learning last season, and definitely this year I’m facing another big step. Probably there are going to be some struggles to face, and I feel more prepared in the case of having to face them.”

The youngster is realistic about his 2025 prospects, explaining he doesn’t have “a lot of expectations” despite arguably being the first driver to make his debut in an actual top team since 2007 – back when Hamilton took F1 by storm as McLaren’s rookie.

“What I’m really going to do is try to focus on the process, try to enjoy as well,” said Antonelli. “Definitely, something I really want to do is starting with a good rhythm, trying to build from it and trying to be consistent.

“Of course, the mindset is always going to be the same: trying to go on track and win, and do the best results possible. But you have to be realistic at the same time, because the level is super competitive.”

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Getty Images

Meanwhile, new team leader George Russell has tipped Antonelli to match his pace straight away, while acknowledging his incoming team-mate will still have a steep learning curve.

“Kimi is a super fast driver, super motivated,” the three-time grand prix winner said. “Naturally, for any driver in their first year, a lot to learn, but I’m sure it’s going to be a good season together.”

Having made his own debut in 2019, Russell knows what Antonelli’s situation feels like, to some extent.

“You’ve got so much confidence in yourself,” he explained. “When I look back to myself when I was Kimi’s age, I don’t think you’re any slower, you just gain experience over time, you know how to deal with the travel of Formula 1, work for 2,000 people.

“But if you’ve got the speed, you’ve got it – and if you don’t, you don’t. It’s almost as simple as that.

“I’m sure Kimi is going to keep me on my toes and we’ll be pushing each other.”