Mercedes have promoted Andrea Kimi Antonelli into F1 on a multi-year contract.
Antonelli’s graduation into F1 comes after a solid rookie F2 campaign for PREMA in which he lies sixth in the championship, with two race wins which came at Silverstone and Hungaroring respectively.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” commented Antonelli.
“Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity.
“I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.
“I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for.
“He is super-fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track.”
Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff added that the new line-up blends “experience, talent, youth and out-and-out raw speed.”
Wolff is “excited” about Antonelli partnering Russell for a “next chapter” in the team following Hamilton’s exit, with Russell viewed as “a strong leader” to guide Antonelli.
“George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but has also developed into a strong leader within the team.
“Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year and we will be supporting him every step of the way in the learning process.
“In George, he has an experienced team-mate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.”
Russell welcomed Antonelli’s arrival given the Italian’s “formidable” record in junior categories, and is excited to get the chance to guide him through next season.
“He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.
“I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his team-mate. I’ve learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi.
“As a team, we’re building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year. We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships.
“It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing.”
Antonelli won multiple karting titles which included 2020 and 2021 FIA Karting European Championships in the OK Class.
The Italian then translated his talents into single-seater as he became only the second driver to do the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 title double in 2022, with his current PREMA teammate – Oliver Bearman having achieved the feat in 2021.
Like Antonelli, Bearman will also graduate full-time to F1 next season as the Brit joins Haas, as announced at Silverstone.
2023 saw Antonelli achieve Formula Regional Middle-East and Formula Regional Europe titles, in which he took eight victories and ten further podiums in total across both series.