Toto Wolff has discussed the potential for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to step into Lewis Hamilton’s role at Mercedes. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 presents Wolff with the significant task of finding a replacement for the seven-time Formula 1 champion.
The options range from two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso to Antonelli, a 17-year-old talent within Mercedes’ development program who is viewed as having a promising future.
“We were faced with this unexpected challenge with Lewis at the beginning of February,” Wolff remarked when contemplating the selection of Hamilton’s successor. “And I want to take a different approach in deciding on the driver for the upcoming season.”
“Kimi has been part of our junior program since he was 11. It’s been rewarding to witness his growth as a young man and his progression through the ranks,” Wolff continued. “However, I also want to ease some of the pressure on him – he’s only 17.”
“He has achieved remarkable success in his debut season, but I believe he has the potential to become a Formula 1 driver.”
“He’s destined to become a highly successful Formula 1 driver, but his Formula 2 campaign hasn’t commenced yet,” Wolff remarked, reflecting on Antonelli’s potential. “Their initial testing in Bahrain was challenging. We’ll monitor how things progress.”
Wolff stressed his intention to exercise patience in making decisions. “I prefer to observe the initial races in Formula 2, which coincide with Formula 1,” he stated. “There’s a pool of talented Formula 1 drivers available for next year. All factors will be considered when determining the driver lineup, but that won’t be decided hastily.”
Antonelli’s talent was initially recognized by James Vowles, formerly of Mercedes and now Williams’ team principal, sparking speculation about a potential F1 debut with Williams, following a similar pathway to George Russell.
“I have full confidence that Kimi will make it to F1,” Vowles affirmed. “He has excelled in his junior series. However, this doesn’t guarantee his placement in Williams. I believe in nurturing young talent but selection will be based on merit.”
Vowles emphasized the unpredictability of talent development. “When you’re overseeing a junior at 11, you can’t predict their future success,” he explained. “But with him, you could see early on in the F4 days that he was progressing exceptionally well.”
