How F1 fans reacted to Andrea Kimi Antonelli being announced as a Mercedes driver

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli will become a Formula 1 driver in 2025, partnering with George Russell at Mercedes and becoming the youngest driver on the grid.

The Italian is replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and will be parachuted straight into a top team, expected to compete for podiums and race victories consistently.

Antonelli made his debut on a Grand Prix weekend at Monza, replacing Russell in FP1 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

He showed supreme confidence at his home circuit, attacking behind the wheel. He stepped over the limit and crashed at Curva Alboreto in the opening stages of the session.

F1 fans react to Andrea Kimi Antonelli being announced by Mercedes

Mercedes’ announcement of Antonelli has created a mixed response from Formula 1 fans, with some feeling more optimistic than others about the Italian’s chances next year.

@acciohedvig outlined the pressure Antonelli will be under throughout the 2025 season as he will be the only Italian on the grid: “Andrea Kimi Antonelli, if you didn’t already have the biggest shoes in the world to fill, you will also have the entire Italian nation on your back.”

@GCancino11 was delighted to see Mercedes give the 18-year-old a chance in Formula 1 ahead of the 2025 season.

They said: “Ladies and gentlemen, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, our Mercedes driver for next year!!!”

The praise for Antonelli continued as @ijaveeth wished the Italian well ahead of his rookie F1 season: “Best wishes to Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race for Mercedes from 2025!!!!”

After promoting Antonelli, who is having a stellar junior career, Mercedes has shown confidence in the team’s academy as both the Italian and Russell came through the junior ranks backed by the German manufacturer.

@ItsNida00 wrote that the decision was a ‘smart choice’ by Mercedes, which offers flexibility in the future in Formula 1.

They posted: “Mercedes making a strategic move by pairing Andrea Kimi Antonelli with George Russell for next season. A smart choice that keeps their future options flexible.”

Despite some fans eagerly anticipating Antonelli’s arrival into Formula 1, others were less enthused and were concerned Mercedes could struggle in 2025.

@SRFielding72 wrote: “Going to be a tough 2025 for them.”

Rumours have circulated that Mercedes would be interested in three-time world champion Max Verstappen if a drive became available in 2026.

@marcleigh posted that the Dutchman could be a contender to replace Russell in two years if Antonelli delivers a superb season next year in their opinion.

They said: “If Kimi does well, Max will replace George in 2026.”

Signing Andrea Kimi Antonelli is risky for Mercedes in Formula 1

Antonelli has enjoyed a superb junior career, winning the Italian F4 and FRECA championships into consecutive seasons.

He crashed early into the FP1 session after being straight on the pace on the softest tyres available and he showed no signs of lacking confidence.

The Italian will inevitably make clumsy rookie errors next year which will cost the team points in the Constructors’ Championship.

Antonelli will have to recover quickly and keep the car on the track when he gets his next opportunity. He will have minimal track time before debuting at the Australian Grand Prix next year.