Hamilton EXIT prompts huge…..read more
Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes has led to significant changes within the Formula 1 team. The seven-time world champion confirmed in 2024 that he would be moving to Ferrari, completing the switch last month. Hamilton, who won six of his world championships and 84 race victories during his 12 seasons at Mercedes, will now team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. The Maranello-based team is aiming for its first F1 title since 2008, with Hamilton’s move marking a pivotal moment in both his career and the F1 landscape.
Hamilton’s exit from Mercedes created a need for the team to find a replacement to fill his shoes, and the team, led by boss Toto Wolff, has decided to bring in rising star Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian, is set to make his F1 debut in 2025. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonelli expressed his excitement about the opportunity and acknowledged the enormous task of replacing a legend like Hamilton. “I am aware that I have inherited a cumbersome seat to fill,” he said, recognizing the immense legacy left by the British driver. Despite the pressure, Antonelli emphasized that his focus is on doing the best job possible and creating his own path within the Mercedes team, rather than comparing himself to Hamilton.
One significant change at Mercedes involves Antonelli working closely with Peter “Bono” Bonnington, the legendary engineer who has been with Hamilton throughout all 12 seasons at Mercedes. Bonnington, who played a crucial role in Hamilton’s success, will guide Antonelli in his debut season. Antonelli shared that the preparation for his first F1 season is progressing smoothly, with a strong focus on ensuring he’s ready for the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. “I have worked closely with my engineer Bono and the whole team to be ready for the lights to go out in Australia,” he explained. While the team has yet to test the new car, which will happen during the Bahrain tests from February 26 to 28, Antonelli is optimistic about the season ahead.
The transition at Mercedes marks a monumental shift for the team, as they move on from the dominance of Hamilton, the driver who defined their success in the turbo-hybrid era. Antonelli’s appointment represents the start of a new chapter for Mercedes, with the young Italian eager to prove himself in the fast-paced world of F1. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Antonelli as he steps into the role previously held by one of F1’s greatest-ever drivers.
