Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an Italian driver, was seen on the grid of the FIA Formula 2 Championship in Sakhir, Bahrain, on March 2, 2024. Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, recently revealed that certain provisions in Lewis Hamilton’s contract were specifically designed to keep the option open for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to transition to Formula 1. With Hamilton set to join Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the seven-time world champion. Several names, including Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Alex Albon, and the young sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, have been circulating in rumors. Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes, signed in the summer of 2023, allows for flexibility with a one-year extension. Wolff, aware of missed opportunities in the past with Max Verstappen, wanted to ensure that the team did not lose Antonelli in a similar manner, even if it meant making way for Hamilton’s eventual departure. Wolff explained that in the past they had the chance to sign Verstappen, but did not have a seat available. As a result, Red Bull took the opportunity and signed him, leading to his subsequent success. With a talented young driver like Antonelli on the horizon, Wolff wanted to keep the option open and avoid a repeat of the Verstappen situation. However, he also emphasized the importance of not putting too much pressure on the 17-year-old Italian driver. Antonelli, who skipped Formula 3 and is competing in his debut season in Formula 2 with PREMA, has already won several rookie titles. Wolff wants to see how Antonelli performs in the upcoming Formula 2 races, which coincide with Formula 1 events, before making any decisions about his possible promotion to the top of motorsport.
