Mercedes to unveil Antonelli as lead driver at Italian GP, moving away from Verstappen.
According to multiple reliable sources in Italy and the Netherlands, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes F1 in 2025.
De Telegraaf reports that Toto Wolff has ultimately decided against attempting to lure Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton, who has moved to Ferrari, at least for 2025.
The Austrian informed the team internally of his decision at the start of the week as activities resumed. He was swayed by Antonelli’s recent tests at Spa, conducted just after the Belgian Grand Prix, where the entire technical staff stayed on to evaluate the Italian.
Wolff will sign a one-year contract with options with his protégé, who will finally be eligible for a super licence from his 18th birthday, coinciding with the Dutch GP this weekend.
Less than a week later, Antonelli will make his debut during an official Grand Prix weekend, taking over from Hamilton in Free Practice 1 on Friday at Monza.
The announcement of Antonelli’s contract for 2025 is also expected to be made during his home Italian GP.
Additionally, there is a possibility that Antonelli could be loaned to Williams F1 to replace Logan Sargeant if the American continues to underperform according to James Vowles.
Wolff has not completely given up on the Verstappen avenue, thanks to a clause in the Dutchman’s current contract that allows him to leave for 2026 if Red Bull’s performance continues to decline. And while it’s hard to envision Verstappen losing the drivers’ championship in 2024, it will be much more challenging for him in 2025.
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Wolff Ends Verstappen Chase, Antonelli to Lead Mercedes Wolff Ends Verstappen Chase, Antonelli to Lead Mercedes
