18-year-old Italian Antonelli to replace Hamilton at Mercedes

Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will become a primary driver for Mercedes next season, as announced by the Formula 1 team’s press office.

The 18-year-old Italian will partner with George Russell, replacing the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to continue his career with Ferrari.

Hamilton has been with Mercedes since 2013. During his time with the German team, the 39-year-old driver secured six Formula 1 championship titles (2014, 2015, 2017-2020). It was revealed in February that the Briton will join Ferrari for the 2025 season.