Kimi Antonelli named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement next year at Mercedes, a day after his Formula One debut ended in the 18-year-old driver hitting the wall
MONZA, Italy (AP) — Teenager Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement next year at Mercedes, a day after his Formula One debut ended in the 18-year-old Italian driver hitting the wall.
Team principal Toto Wolff had said the crash in first practice for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix would have no impact on Antonelli’s F1 chances, and confirmation of his elevation to partner with George Russell was announced ahead of Saturday’s final practice at his home event.
Speculation has been rampant on who would replace Hamilton at Mercedes, since the seven-time F1 champion announced he was departing for Ferrari at the end of the season.
There were even attempts to woo three-time defending champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull but Wolff said he always wanted to go with Antonelli, who has been with Mercedes since he joined its junior program when he was 12.
