Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes’ Rising Star Ready to Follow Hamilton’s Footsteps

Kimi Antonelli, the promising 18-year-old Italian driver, has been chosen by Mercedes as the successor to Lewis Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari next year. Antonelli’s journey to the top bears similarities to Hamilton’s, despite their contrasting backgrounds and personalities.

Hamilton, who debuted spectacularly at 22 with McLaren, carved his name with 105 grand prix wins and seven championships. Mercedes, previously McLaren’s partner, had nurtured Hamilton from his karting days through his junior series, much like they’ve done with Antonelli.

As Mercedes copes with a challenging couple of years, Antonelli, viewed as a phenomenal talent akin to Hamilton or Max Verstappen, is expected to bring fierce competition. Teammate George Russell acknowledges Antonelli’s speed but anticipates mistakes, a common early career trait among top drivers.

(With inputs from agencies.)