**Mercedes Board Approves Antonelli to Replace Hamilton**
Kimi Antonelli is set to take over from the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next year, according to Italy’s Il Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
During the Monaco GP weekend, rumors suggested that Carlos Sainz, who will soon leave Ferrari, has been informed that he will not partner with George Russell at Mercedes next year.
In early May, Mercedes conducted a private test at Silverstone featuring 17-year-old Antonelli, whose real name is Andrea. He was tested alongside Mick Schumacher and George Russell.
The trio drove a 2022 Mercedes, each following the same program, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Antonelli matched Russell’s speed in a qualifying setup and slightly outperformed him in race pace.
Following these results, the required 15 members of the Mercedes board reportedly voted ‘yes’ to Antonelli making his F1 debut with the team next year.
Before the head-to-head test, only three board members supported the proposal, Corriere dello Sport noted.
Russell, 26, expressed his support for having Antonelli as a teammate in 2025—or any other driver.
“I think Kimi is a fantastic driver,” said the Briton. “He’s undoubtedly going to be a Formula 1 driver in the future, and he’s a fellow (Mercedes) junior driver, just as I was.”
Russell added, “It’s a great opportunity for Mercedes to build for the future. But I’d welcome anybody as my teammate. I feel like I’ve got a pretty good teammate right now as it is,” he smiled.
