Andrea Kimi Antonelli was more nervous than he had been for some time. A racing driver’s career can often hinge on sliding doors moments such as these. The 18-year-old wasn’t trying to secure a Formula One drive. He completed that mission months ago when he signed with Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli disagrees with the notion that he’s “replacing” Lewis Hamilton as he feels he’s just the “next Mercedes driver”. With Hamilton moving to Ferrari, Mercedes opted to sign Antonelli as his replacement. Antonelli is the youngest driver on the 2025 F1 grid at just 18.

Tempering expectations, Kimi Antonelli said he is simply a new Mercedes driver when asked if he is ready to replace Lewis Hamilton

The Italian driver in the form of Kimi Antonelli has admitted that there is a realization that he is replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes which is not only a privilege but a responsibility too.