Antonelli doesn’t want to be seen as Hamilton ‘replacement’

Kimi Antonelli has insisted that he simply feels like “the next Mercedes driver” as the Italian teenager slots into the race seat previously occupied by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli, 18, has stepped up to the Silver Arrows – who have supported him since his karting days – after a remarkable rise through the single-seater ranks, featuring back-to-back titles in Formula 4 and Formula Regional and race wins in Formula 2.

Speaking at the F1 75 Live season launch event in London on Tuesday, Antonelli was asked about taking Hamilton’s place and whether he feels any more pressure as a result.

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

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team — Antonelli and Hamilton embraced on the red carpet outside The O2 arena

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

With Hamilton beginning a new adventure at Ferrari, Antonelli will partner Mercedes incumbent George Russell for his rookie season – and both drivers were asked about how the relationship has been developing.

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“So far it’s been really good,” Antonelli said. “We both came through the ranks and the junior programme. It’s great to see that we’re finally both racing in the same team.

“George showed, especially last year, how strong he is, how strong he became – especially his consistency was quite impressive.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and — Russell will help Antonelli adapt to F1 during the 2025 season

“Definitely it’s good to have him alongside, because I can learn a lot from him and we can push each other even further. We can try to level up, even working together with the team to try to get a good result.”

Russell, who is now 27 and preparing for his fourth season at Mercedes, added: “Being team mates with a new, up-and-coming driver… everyone in F1, or the drivers at the front, have been through that position.

“You’ve got so much confidence in yourself. When I look back at 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 F1, and working with 2,000 people.

“But if you’ve got the speed, you’ve got it, if you don’t, you don’t. It’s almost as simple as that. I’m sure Kimi’s going to keep me on my toes and we’ll be pushing each other.”