Domenicali celebrates as Antonelli gears up for a pivotal F1 debut at Monza, marking a fresh Italian legacy in motorsport.
In 2024, there were no full-time rookies on the F1 starting grid, but that will change significantly next year.
Jack Doohan is already confirmed at Alpine F1, Oliver Bearman at Haas F1, while Liam Lawson is expected to debut full-time in 2025 for RB F1 or Audi.
And Mercedes will take the opportunity of Kimi Antonelli’s, 18, Friday free practice debut at Monza to also confirm that the young Italian will be Lewis Hamilton’s full-time replacement next year.
“As Italians, we are proud,” says Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, “but it’s news that is appreciated by everyone. Kimi is a benchmark for a great team like Mercedes, which means he is a champion with great talent, as well as a great guy with a beautiful family.”
“Let’s not put too much pressure on him, but finally an Italian returns to F1.”
Some, however, have criticized Ferrari for not having recruited Antonelli when he was available years ago.
“It’s not for me to answer that question,” insisted the F1 CEO.
“But Kimi is a new encouragement for young Italians to believe in themselves. Next year, 20% of the grid will consist of rookies, and fresh blood is always a good thing.”
Before Antonelli makes his Grand Prix debut in 2025, an ultra-exciting championship battle will take place in 2024, with several competitive teams ending Red Bull’s dominance.
“I knew it would be a tight fight,” said Domenicali. “Both titles are open and I would also include Ferrari among the title contenders for the constructors.”
“What we are seeing is the limit of car development, and teams struggling with the correlation between simulation and track performance, in addition to the fact that the limitation of wind tunnel hours has allowed them to close in on Red Bull.”
When asked if, in this context, he regretted the arrival of radical regulatory changes in 2026 to ensure tighter seasons, Domenicali, however, replied: “No.”
“One of the objectives of F1 is to try to anticipate upcoming changes. The new power unit will be a challenge for the manufacturers, just as sustainable fuels will be crucial for any future mobility.”
- You may also like>2024 Italian GP F1: Schedule and Preview
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
Mercedes to Confirm Antonelli at Monza Mercedes to Confirm Antonelli at Monza
