Antonelli Ready for ‘Big Responsibility’ of Replacing Hamilton at Mercedes F1

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes’ rookie Formula 1 driver, has firmly rejected the idea that he is merely replacing Lewis Hamilton. The 18-year-old Italian driver acknowledges that stepping into a seat at one of the most prestigious teams in motorsport is a huge responsibility, but he is determined to make his own mark in F1. Despite being selected by Mercedes after Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari, Antonelli is focused on his own growth, progression, and creating a legacy of his own.

Antonelli’s Journey to Mercedes F1

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rise to Formula 1 has been swift, but it hasn’t been without significant preparation. A product of Mercedes’ renowned youth program, Antonelli joined the team at the age of 11 and worked his way up through the ranks of motorsport. With his natural talent and determination, he quickly became one of the brightest young prospects in the racing world. Despite his youth, Antonelli has already achieved impressive milestones in his racing career, having been promoted to F1 after just one season in Formula 2.

While many anticipated that Antonelli would make his debut in Formula 1, few expected the speed at which it would happen. In fact, he joined the Mercedes F1 team after a major shift in the team’s lineup, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton deciding to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. This created a vacancy that Mercedes needed to fill quickly, and Antonelli’s talent and experience made him the perfect candidate. The team, led by principal Toto Wolff, saw something special in Antonelli, which led to his rapid promotion to F1.

Antonelli’s Perspective on Stepping into Hamilton’s Shoes

Although it might seem like Antonelli is filling the shoes of one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, he refuses to see himself as Hamilton’s replacement. Instead, Antonelli views his place on the team as an opportunity to grow and compete in his own right.

“I don’t feel like his replacement,” Antonelli shared with BBC Sport. “I just feel like a Mercedes F1 driver. It’s an amazing opportunity, and I am really grateful for the trust and chance Mercedes gave me. But at the same time, it is a big responsibility because I am racing for Mercedes, a top team, and they have high expectations for me.”

While the task of replacing someone as legendary as Hamilton may seem daunting to many, Antonelli maintains a mature outlook. His primary goal is to create his own path in Formula 1, not just to be compared to the successes of those who came before him.

A Humble Yet Determined Approach

Antonelli was ‘really nervous’ ahead of driving test

Despite his rapid rise to F1, Antonelli remains grounded, recognizing the responsibility that comes with being in a top-tier team like Mercedes. “It is a great opportunity, but also a big responsibility. Mercedes has high expectations for me, and I have to make sure I perform and make the most of this opportunity.”

His teammate George Russell, who is also relatively young, has praised Antonelli’s maturity. The 18-year-old’s calm, focused approach to racing stands in stark contrast to many other drivers his age, demonstrating his mental fortitude and readiness for the pressure that comes with F1 racing.

“I really want to start with a good rhythm and build consistency,” Antonelli explains. “I want to avoid making big mistakes because when you make a big mistake, you take a few steps back, and recovering takes time. I will work hard to avoid that.”

Antonelli’s Impressive Background and Unmatched Talent

Antonelli’s rise through the motorsport ranks has not been a matter of mere luck—he has consistently displayed exceptional talent. Joining Mercedes’ youth program at just 11 years old, Antonelli has been one of the most highly regarded young talents in F1 for several years. His achievements on the track, particularly in junior categories, have made him a standout figure in the racing world. Many insiders have touted Antonelli as a future star, and the expectations surrounding his F1 debut are immense.

Having spent just one season in Formula 2, Antonelli’s swift progression to F1 is a testament to his skill and the faith Mercedes has in him. His promotion mirrors the path taken by fellow Mercedes driver George Russell, who spent a few years gaining experience with Williams before joining Mercedes in 2022. However, Mercedes chose a different approach for Antonelli, opting to promote him straight to the F1 team instead of loaning him to another squad for additional experience.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has made it clear that he believes in Antonelli’s potential. “We expect mistakes,” Wolff said, “but it’s our job to help him develop.” Antonelli is aware of the high expectations, but he remains confident in his ability to adapt and grow.

Learning From the Best: Influences and Aspirations

Despite the immense pressure, Antonelli is taking the challenge head-on. He understands the magnitude of joining a team with the legacy of Mercedes, which has seen immense success with Hamilton behind the wheel. Yet, Antonelli is determined to forge his own path in the sport.

Growing up, Antonelli idolized the legendary Ayrton Senna, a three-time world champion who was known for his skill, passion, and determination. “Ayrton Senna is my hero,” Antonelli says. “He’s my idol, and I look up to everything he accomplished in his career. I would be happy to achieve even a little part of what he achieved.” While Antonelli’s style and personality are his own, many see a resemblance between the young driver and the Brazilian icon, particularly in his appearance.

Having Senna as a reference is a powerful motivator for Antonelli, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest drivers in history. Sharing the grid with current F1 drivers such as Hamilton and Fernando Alonso is a dream come true for Antonelli, who has expressed his admiration for both drivers. “It’s a privilege to race alongside these legends,” Antonelli said, acknowledging the opportunity to compete with some of the best in the business.

Antonelli’s Name and Legacy

While Antonelli has undoubtedly made a name for himself in F1, another element that sets him apart is his nickname—Kimi. It’s a well-known moniker in the racing world, drawing obvious comparisons to Finnish F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen. Antonelli, however, was not named after the 2007 world champion. His parents chose the name as a tribute to a close friend, Enrico Bertaggia, who was also involved in motorsport. “My parents wanted a second name that would fit well with my first name,” Antonelli explains. “They didn’t want another Italian name, so they chose Kimi, and it stuck.”

Though his fans and peers often refer to him as Kimi, Antonelli himself prefers to be called Andrea by his close friends and family. Despite this, he understands why the racing world has embraced the nickname, acknowledging that it has become a natural part of his identity.

Antonelli’s Goals for the Future

With his F1 debut now upon him, Antonelli is focused on making a meaningful impact in his rookie season. His main goal is to establish a solid foundation and grow steadily throughout the season. As a driver for Mercedes, the pressure is undoubtedly high, but Antonelli is eager to prove himself.

“I want to have a clean run, build consistency, and focus on improving every race,” he says. “But I also want to be as fast as possible, fight for the best results, and compete at the highest level.”

The expectations are sky-high, but Antonelli’s calm demeanor, incredible talent, and passion for racing suggest that he has the tools to meet those expectations. As he steps into his role at Mercedes, the F1 world will be watching closely to see if this young driver can make an impact and, perhaps, follow in the footsteps of the legends that came before him.

Conclusion: A Rising Star in Formula 1

Teen sensation Antonelli adamant he’s no ‘replacement’ for Hamilton

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rapid rise to Formula 1 is nothing short of remarkable. After years of hard work and dedication, the 18-year-old driver is ready to embrace the opportunity that lies ahead with Mercedes. While stepping into the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton is a daunting task, Antonelli is determined to create his own legacy in F1. With the support of Mercedes, his undeniable talent, and a clear sense of purpose, the future looks incredibly bright for this young Italian driver.