Andrea Kimi Antonelli: A Potential Successor to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?
Formula 2 racer Andrea Kimi Antonelli is still a leading candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Team boss Toto Wolff, who has previously tested him in his cars, has high expectations for the 17-year-old Italian. Antonelli is making significant strides in the junior rankings, although he questions whether he’s ready for Formula 1.
Antonelli, racing for PREMA, has already won the sprint race at Silverstone and just last weekend, he claimed victory in Hungary. He now ranks sixth in the Formula 2 Championship. Consequently, the young Italian is well-positioned to make the leap to the premier class next year. However, he’s not overly focused on that prospect just yet.
“I don’t really want to think about next year,” he told the Hungarian press after his first win. “Nothing is official yet, so I honestly don’t know anything. The goal is to have the best season in Formula 2. It’s clear that achieving two victories is really good for the team. We clearly struggled at the beginning of the season, but now we’re building momentum.”
Uncertainty About Readiness for Promotion
Antonelli, who is consistently linked with a promotion to Formula 1 and the coveted seat of Lewis Hamilton, still doubts his own abilities. “I’m not sure if I would be ready,” he said about a possible transfer. “There is still a lot to learn in Formula 2. I still make many mistakes, and even small things that are really important, I don’t always do right.”
Teammate’s Success and Future Prospects
His PREMA teammate, Oliver Bearman, has already secured a contract in the premier class. The 19-year-old Brit will join the Haas team next year. After his victory at the Hungaroring, Antonelli has a lead of 51 points over his teammate – is the young Italian not ready for promotion? “He is a very good driver,” Antonelli said about Bearman. “He also missed a round in Jeddah, so I think the difference would actually be smaller. The most important thing is that we continue to work well together.”
Anticipation in Italy
In Italy, there is eager anticipation for Antonelli’s Formula 1 debut. Since Antonio Giovinazzi (2021), the sport has not seen any Italian drivers. “Of course, it would be nice to become the next Italian in Formula 1,” Antonelli said. “In my home country, they are all looking forward to it, but there is still a long way to go. The focus is now on Formula 2 – we will see what happens next year.”
