On the way to the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, is well aware that potential competitors for Lewis Hamilton’s vacant seat in 2025 may sign with other Formula 1 teams before he makes a final decision. The fact that Mercedes is willing to wait and potentially lose experienced candidates like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso shows that the favorite for the seat is rookie Kimi Antonelli.
This may seem surprising considering that Mercedes is one of the top teams in F1 and would not normally consider a rookie. However, Antonelli, who will turn 18 in August and currently races in Formula 2, is no ordinary talent. He has been considered something special since he was hired by Mercedes in 2019.
When asked about the drivers’ situation in Suzuka, Wolff showed respect for Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, but made it clear that Mercedes is not interested in him. Wolff also expressed that he is not concerned about other potential competitors signing with other teams. He stated that the decision has not yet been made and that the driver market is dynamic, with other teams signing some of the top drivers. He emphasized that it is too early for Mercedes to commit to a driver, whether young or experienced, and that more time is needed to gather information.
The deadline to make a decision is aligned with Antonelli being the favorite choice. He has not yet had the opportunity to prove his worth, and his progress in F2 and the upcoming tests in F1 will play a significant role in determining his readiness. Wolff wants to see Antonelli’s performances in the testing program, which will likely have the biggest influence on the decision. This means Wolff is willing to take the risk of losing other options like Sainz and Alonso to give Antonelli the chance to prove his worth.
The only other driver who could potentially take Antonelli’s place is Max Verstappen. Although Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, Mercedes has not given up hope of having him on their team. Wolff stated that any team would be delighted to have Verstappen in their car. However, it is unlikely that Verstappen will become available, so if Antonelli is not ready, Mercedes will have to choose from the remaining available drivers.
The difficulties Mercedes faced at the beginning of 2024 also influenced the case for putting Antonelli in 2025. Although it is unlikely that Mercedes will be fighting for the championship next year, having an experienced driver like Alonso or Sainz would make more sense if they were expecting a car capable of challenging for the title. However, if that is not the case, there is a strong argument for giving Antonelli the opportunity to gain experience and progress. This would make 2025 a “free” opportunity for Mercedes, allowing them to take the risk of having a rookie driver in the short term for potential long-term gains.
Antonelli’s teammate in F2, Ollie Bearman, inadvertently strengthened his cause with his impressive performance in Saudi Arabia. This further increased Wolff’s confidence in Antonelli’s ability to perform well in F1. Bearman’s performance reminded team bosses of the potential of rookie drivers and their appeal as exciting and cost-effective options.
Mercedes sees Antonelli not only as a good young driver, but as a potential superstar. From the moment Wolff heard about Hamilton’s departure, he had his eyes on Antonelli. Unless unexpected circumstances arise, Antonelli is in the unique position of being an 18-year-old with one of the most coveted seats in F1 for 2025.
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After all, what happened to the city’s most popular football club? The team that used to dominate the fields is now struggling to stay in the elite. With a series of defeats and below-par performance, fans are wondering what went wrong.
The coach, known for his ability to motivate players, is facing harsh criticism. Some say he has lost the magical touch he used to have, while others believe he is dealing with personal issues that are affecting his performance.
Furthermore, the team seems to be suffering from a series of injuries, which have further hindered their performance. Key players are out of action and the substitutes are not able to fill the gap left by them.
The club’s board is also being questioned. Many believe they are not investing enough in signings and improvements in the club’s infrastructure. This has led to a gradual decline in the team’s quality and the dissatisfaction of the fans.
Fans, who used to pack the stadium for every game, are now drifting away. The lack of positive results and the lack of hope for a change are causing many to abandon the club. The atmosphere in the stadium has become increasingly disheartened and this has directly affected the players’ performance.
However, not all is lost. The board has promised to take steps to reverse this situation. They are planning a complete overhaul of the team, bringing in new players and investing in training and infrastructure. Fans are hopeful that these changes will bring back the glory to the club.
Meanwhile, the players are working hard in training, determined to regain their form and start winning again. They know they have the support of the true fans and are determined to repay that trust.
In the end, the club is going through a tough time, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. With the right changes and the support of the fans, they have everything to rise again and become one of the greats in football. The city is hoping for a turnaround and the fans are eager to celebrate again.
