Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an Italian driver from the Mercedes AMG F1 team, is being considered for his Formula 1 debut next year. The departure of Lewis Hamilton has opened up a vacancy at Mercedes, and Antonelli is rumored to be the favorite for the position. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has ruled out Carlos Sainz as a possible replacement and indicated that the team is looking to start a new chapter with Antonelli. Despite not being involved in the decision-making process, Mercedes Technical Director James Allison is excited about the prospect of designing a car for a talented young driver like Antonelli. Allison believes that if the talent is there, the age of the driver doesn’t matter. He points to the performance of Antonelli’s Formula 2 teammate Oliver Bearman, who impressed in his debut in Saudi Arabia, as evidence that rookies can thrive in Formula 1. Antonelli, who currently holds sixth place overall in Formula 2, may make his F1 debut later this season before turning 18, as the FIA has lowered the minimum age from 18 to 17. There is speculation that Williams, which is looking to replace Logan Sargeant, may have made the request for this exemption.
