Mercedes has officially announced that 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli will join George Russell as a full-time driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli, a product of Mercedes' junior program since 2018, has shown impressive talent in his rookie season of Formula 2, which, combined with extensive testing, convinced the team of his readiness for F1. Despite a challenging debut practice session at Monza where he crashed, team principal Toto Wolff expressed unwavering confidence in Antonelli's abilities and potential. Antonelli’s promotion marks a significant step for the team as they transition to a new era post-Hamilton, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing home-grown talent. He has signed a one-year contract with an option for extension based on performance. This announcement follows months of speculation regarding Hamilton's departure and Antonelli's rise through the ranks of junior motorsport.