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Xtra Time Web Desk: Italian driver Kimi Antonelli will replace seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season, a move confirmed during Antonelli's home Grand Prix at Monza on Saturday. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff decided on the 18-year-old soon after Hamilton, 39, informed him in January that he would be joining Ferrari in 2025.

Antonelli, who has been competing in Formula Two this year and is part of Mercedes' driver development program, will partner with race winner George Russell. His promotion marks the first time in 70 years that a rookie will drive for Mercedes, a significant step as he steps into the shoes of the sport's most successful driver.

BREAKING: Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race for Mercedes from 2025!#F1 pic.twitter.com/bhLN48UdRE

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 31, 2024

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The announcement came a day after Antonelli's free practice debut at Monza, where he crashed Russell's car. Despite this setback, the young Italian remains focused, acknowledging the challenge ahead. "It's impossible to replace Lewis Hamilton," he admitted. "I'm just the next driver for Mercedes in 2025, and I'm really excited for that."

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Antonelli will race with the number 12 next season. His rise makes him the first Italian in Formula One since 2021 and the first with a top team since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009.

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Wolff also considered Red Bull's Max Verstappen, but with his contract until 2028, Antonelli and Russell are Mercedes' future. Russell, entering his fourth season, expressed his eagerness to mentor Antonelli, hoping to guide him as Hamilton once did for him. As he gears up for his debut season, all eyes will be on this young talent to see how he fares in the world of Formula One.