Lewis Hamilton recently inked a fresh contract with Mercedes, but uncertainties loom over his continued presence in the team. Evidently, Mercedes has charted out its driver roster for the post-Hamilton era, evident in their elevation of junior driver Kimi Antonelli to a significant Formula 2 seat for the 2024 season, bypassing Formula 3 entirely.
Lewis Hamilton has 28% chance of winning 2024 #F1 crown https://t.co/gzhVvjwyUV
— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) December 18, 2023
Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes protege, is making the leap from the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) to Formula 2, showcasing a meteoric rise after clinching the FRECA championship in his debut year in 2023 at the age of 17.
Mercedes has placed Antonelli with Prema Racing, a prominent team in Formula 2, alongside Oliver Bearman, affiliated with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, was keen on securing Antonelli even before becoming fully aware of his potential, owing to the young prodigy’s numerous karting titles.
While Hamilton and George Russell’s contracts extend until 2025, there’s speculation that Antonelli might find himself in a Mercedes race seat in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new power unit regulations. However, if Antonelli excels in 2024, Wolff might explore other Formula 1 opportunities for him in 2025.
Despite the considerable hype surrounding Antonelli’s accomplishments at the age of 17, Wolff emphasizes the need for cautious management by Mercedes. Wolff acknowledges Antonelli’s remarkable karting record and success in junior formulas but underscores the challenge of transitioning to the heavier and more powerful Formula 2 cars. The team aims to give him time to adapt and temper expectations.
Antonelli, on his part, remains focused on the upcoming demanding F2 campaign in 2024, recognizing the challenges that lie ahead. He expresses determination to learn, have fun, and perform well in his new endeavor with Prema Racing, the team where he commenced his single-seater career and considers his second family. Despite the anticipated difficulties, Antonelli aims to approach the season with a mindset of gaining experience and enjoying the journey.