Antonelli confirms car number he wants to use for start of Formula 1 career

Kimi Antonelli has confirmed the car number he would like to use when his Formula 1 career officially begins in 2025, subject to approval from the FIA.

Antonelli was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s future replacement at Mercedes during last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, where the home driver also made his FP1 debut.

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During a press conference in the Monza paddock, the 18-year-old fielded a host of questions from the media about his promotion, including one about the number that will be placed on his car.

Antonelli immediately replied that 12 is his preference, given that he used the number en route to the Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022, and the Middle East and European Formula Regional crowns last year.

“I have many numbers that I like, but 12 is a special one,” said Antonelli. “I have been using it since F4 [and] it always went well, so there’s no reason to change it for next year.”

With the announcement made and his F1 debut now only a few months away, Antonelli began to process what’s ahead of him as a Silver Arrows driver alongside George Russell.

“Obviously it’s something I’ve been dreaming of since a very young age,” he commented. “To finally be announced as a driver for 2025 is such a great feeling. I cannot wait to get started.”

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As for stepping into seven-time world champion Hamilton’s shoes, he added: “Well, I think, it’s not possible to replace [him]. He’s such a great figure in the sport today and he has achieved so much in his career.

“I don’t want to see it as his replacement, I’m just the next driver for Mercedes. He’s a really great guy, he’s given me some support, so I’m really happy.”

For the rest of the year, Antonelli will continue to drive previous F1 machinery as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme formed by Mercedes, as well as seeing out his rookie season in F2 – the Italian sitting sixth in the standings with three rounds to go.