It had long been an open secret that Mercedes would choose Antonelli. Team boss Toto Wolff had said this more or less often and openly. The announcement was made in Monza at Ferrari’s home race, where the Scuderia usually likes to announce personnel changes.
Antonelli had only turned 18 on Sunday – one of the requirements for a Formula 1 driver’s license for several years. However, a rule added in June now allows exceptions.
This is not necessary anyway for the designated Mercedes regular driver, who is known to everyone as Kimi Antonelli.
He comes from Mercedes’ junior development program and currently drives for the Italian Prema team – like Mick Schumacher once did. In 2022, he won the German Formula 4 championship.
He skipped Formula 3 and is driving in Formula 2 this year. He will be a Formula 1 driver from 2025. “Getting into Formula 1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a child,” said Antonelli, whom Wolff wants to make a champion under his leadership.
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