Italian formula

FIA Karting European Championship: Mercedes have announced the promotion of F2 driver Kimi Antonelli to replace the Ferrari-bound seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Italian driver will be partnering up with George Russell for his rookie season.

Antonelli will surely have big boots to fill as he forms the team’s academy lineup for the coming season.

“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025. Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I’m also really excited to become George’s teammate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for,” Kimi said in a statement.