Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement Andrea Kimi Antonelli rejected comparisons with the seven-time world champion ahead of his debut Formula 1 campaign.
While Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is the sport’s biggest story heading into the new season, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, Mercedes’ decision to insert an 18-year-old into the Brit’s former seat is a hugely intriguing subplot.
The decision has naturally resulted in Antonelli being linked to Hamilton, who won six of titles during a historic 12-year stint with the team.
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Fans erupt in cheers and chants as Lewis Hamilton arrives at the track for his first test session with Ferrari
Speaking to Sky Sports as Mercedes launched their new partnership with Adidas last week, Antonelli said: “I feel like I’m just a new Mercedes driver.
“Saying that I’m replacing Lewis Hamilton I don’t think is really correct because he’s such a big figure in the sport and he has done so much.
“I feel like I’m just the next Mercedes driver and really want to make my way and achieve great results and be successful.”
‘The mindset is to win’
Antonelli is considered by some – clearly including important figures at Mercedes – to possess a generational level of talent that meant team boss Toto Wolff couldn’t risk losing the Italian to a rival by not fast-tracking him to F1.
While there is little doubt Antonelli possesses remarkable speed, there are questions over whether he is ready for the pressure and scrutiny that will come with driving in F1.
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Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok talks through Kimi Antonelli’s journey to the Mercedes 2025 seat
“It’s not going to be easy because my first year in F1, at the end of the day I’m racing against the 19 best drivers in the world,” Antonelli said.
“And of course the world of motorsport, F1 especially, can be very brutal sometimes.
“But the thing is, I’m just going to try to stay focused on myself, try to work day by day, weekend by weekend trying to improve myself.”
After skipping Formula 3, Antonelli has just one season of Formula 2 under his belt, but has been put through a rigorous testing programme by Mercedes in order to prepare him for F1.
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Antonelli admitted he was ‘pretty nervous’ taking his driving test, having passed it before he makes his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes
Despite his lack of experience, Antonelli insists his goal from the opening round of the 2025 season in Melbourne will be winning races.
He added: “Of course, the mindset is going to be the one of trying to go on track and win, and then we’ll see.
“I have good people around me that especially in these moments, they really try to help me to ignore all the external things and always be focused on the moment.”
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