Mercedes is thinking about using Antonelli as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will be driving for Ferrari in 2025. Antonelli is currently racing in F2 for Prema and testing with Mercedes’s old F1 cars.
But lately, there’s been talk that Antonelli might replace Logan Sargeant at Williams this year if Williams decides to change drivers. This idea got more attention when it was revealed that Williams asked the FIA for special permission for Antonelli to race in F1 before he turned 18.
Antonelli won’t be 18 until the end of August, which led people to think he might make his F1 debut before summer. But Mercedes boss Wolff says that’s not happening. He says Mercedes never wanted to rush Antonelli into F1.
“We never asked for special permission,” Wolff said. “Kimi needs to focus on F2. He’s not going to F1 yet, and that’s what we’re all focusing on.”
Wolff said they want to be careful not to rush Antonelli. He’s only been racing in F4 for 15 months. Wolff believes Antonelli has talent and a bright future, but they need to take things step by step.
“I know everyone’s talking about Kimi driving in Imola, but it’s not happening,” Wolff said. “We’re focused on F2. There are many other things we need to deal with.”
Wolff said Mercedes never wanted to rush Antonelli into F1. He thinks the idea of special permission came from other people, not Mercedes.
Antonelli recently tested Mercedes’s F1 cars from 2021 and 2022. Wolff says Antonelli’s progress is going as planned.
“We’re happy with how things are going,” Wolff said. “We’re not rushing anything. We’re focusing on F2 and testing for Mercedes. Everything else is just a distraction.”
