F1 | Hamilton: “If I had to choose, I would take Antonelli in my place”

“If I were the team principal, I would probably take Antonelli.” Words that have the flavor of investiture. And they have even more value if they were pronounced by Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1 on a par with Michael Schumacher (in terms of world titles) and destined to leave Mercedes at the end of the year to attempt the final assault on that iris that would take him alone to the top of the Olympus of the world champion Circus.

A prestigious seat, that of Mercedes, although the team is certainly not going through the best moment in its history. Indeed, it is perhaps the darkest period. But precisely for this reason, new life could help the team managed by Toto Wolff find new enthusiasm and return to where it was between 2014 and 2021.

This afternoon Lewis Hamilton spoke to the press on the Thursday that anticipates the weekend of the Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. When asked who he would like to see replace him in Mercedes starting from 2025, Lewis first praised Sainz, indicating him as a perfect driver for any team.

Yet, his preference fell on the talent from Bologna, currently involved in FIA Formula 2 with the Prema team in his first season in the preparatory class for Formula 1.

“I think Carlos is a great driver, so I think that wherever he goes he will be able to do positive things for whichever team he finds himself racing. I honestly have no idea what Toto’s plans are, but I think that if I had to choose… If it were my job to make this choice I would probably take Kimi.”

Toto Wolff has made it known that Mercedes is working to create new features for the W15 with the clear intention of giving a positive turn to the season. However, to get these new parts, the team will have to be more patient, which could depress the team. But Hamilton doesn’t seem to think that way.

“I wouldn’t say it’s depressing. It’s just a game of patience. You just have to do with what you have, making the most of the tools you have available today, tomorrow and this weekend. But it’s really encouraging that we’re seeing progress in the factory and in the wind tunnel.”

“We have new components coming in and that’s always an interesting part of the processes: trying a bunch of different things and then finding out what works and what doesn’t. And the fact that we have some sort of direction to go and we’ve tested it in the simulator. So you can’t wait to get the new parts.”

“People are really very energized. This is a big push for people in terms of time spent in the factory and at work to make sure we get these new parts sooner. We need all the help we can get and we know to be able to count on it.”