Mercedes stunned the Formula 1 world in February 2024 when Lewis Hamilton announced he would leave the team to join Ferrari. Team boss Toto Wolff then had to find a new partner for George Russell, and the decision that followed would reshape the grid.
Kimi Antonelli, who turned 18 just days before Mercedes announced his signing in August 2024, was the wildcard option. He had been scouted by Mercedes as he dominated European karting and joined the team's junior programme at 12. He rose through the junior categories so quickly that Mercedes had him skip Formula 3 and move straight into Formula 2 in 2024. His second F2 season, where he finished sixth, was only slightly underwhelming.
Wolff's gamble relied on an unprecedented testing programme that gave Antonelli extended track time in Mercedes' recent cars. Those sessions, rather than his F2 results, reportedly convinced Wolff to promote him. Some observers suggested Wolff also wanted to avoid a repeat of his regret over missing out on Max Verstappen as a teenager.
The rookie's debut campaign was far from smooth, and he faced real pressure during a difficult stretch. Yet that early struggle has given way to a remarkable turnaround. Antonelli has now become the youngest Formula 1 world champion at just 20, clinching the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing