'Someone who made history' - Kimi Antonelli talks about pressure of taking Lewis Hamilton's seat at Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli, the Italian driver has acknowledged that he is going to replace Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season. Becoming a replacement for Lewis Hamilton comes with responsibility. After 12 years with Mercedes Lewis Hamilton decided it was time to move on and he announced that he would be joining Ferrari in the 2025  F1 season start.

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari's move comes with the responsibility of winning him the 8th F1 title which he is chasing long back. If he manages to do so he will be becoming one of the greatest drivers of F1 history. However, both Mercedes and Hamilton ended the contract on the mutual note. As Hamilton's seat was vacant Toto Wolff the team principal for Mercedes made a big decision to go with Kimi Antonelli, a young Italian driver.

Kimi Antonelli has shared his thoughts about how it feels to take the seat of Lewis Hamilton. In an interview, he said, "I’m the next Mercedes driver and I’m taking the seat of someone who made history in the sport, so it’s a big privilege. It’s a big responsibility, but I’ve got the right people around me."

Now that he is a Mercedes driver they will groom him to become the next big thing after Max Verstappen. During his karting days, Kimi Antonelli was making his name which attracted Mercedes. In 2023 he started to dominate FRECA racing which helped him to skip Formula 3 as he jumped into Formula 2 directly. With a good run of form, Toto Wolff made his decision and announced Antonelli would be replacing Lewis Hamilton. Later he became part of Mercedes Academy. Toto Wolff has always praised him and will make him the right replacement for Lewis Hamilton.

Kimi Antonelli shares the bond between Toto Wolff

Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli also mentioned how he gets support from his new team. During the interview, he also mentions the bond with Toto Wolff.  "We have a great relationship, not only professionally, but also outside of the track. He’s a great guy, really supportive during great moments but also difficult moments. I’m super happy to be with him. He’s been giving me a lot of help," Antonelli said.

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix Kimi Antonelli will be making his debut at the age of 18 and all eyes will be on him. While Lewis Hamilton will be seen all red and will aim to win the race.