Teenager Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes for next season.
Hamilton announced earlier this year that he will be joining Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, leaving Mercedes searching for his successor.
They confirmed on Saturday morning that it will be Antonelli to drive alongside George Russell next season.
Their announcement comes less than 24 hours after Antonelli was involved in a 160mph crash on his Mercedes debut in the first practice session for the Italian Grand Prix.
The Italian lost control at the Parabolica, careered across the gravel before hitting the tyre wall sideways — an impact measured at 45G.
Kimi Antonelli (pictured) has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes
Antonelli crashed on his Mercedes debut in the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday
But Mercedes have still opted to bring him in for next season as Hamilton prepares to leave for Ferrari
Antonelli, who turned 18 last Sunday, was taken to the medical centre for checks but was fit enough to take part in the Formula Two session later in the afternoon.
He will not compete in the F1 race tomorrow, with George Russell taking over driving duties as planned for the remainder of the weekend.
Team principal Toto Wolff grimaced in the Mercedes garage as Antonelli spun off but backed the kid he has supported through the team’s junior programme, saying: ‘He’s a rookie, he’s very young, and we are prepared to invest in his future.
‘These moments will happen. They will continue to happen next year. But there will also be a lot of highlights.
‘What we saw today is we have a problem slowing him down rather than making him faster, because what we’ve seen from one-and-a-half laps is just astonishing.’
Wolff has been true to his word about investing in Antonelli, with the exciting prospect now set to get his chance to prove he belongs at the highest level.
But he will have big shoes to fill once Hamilton departs. The Brit has won six of his seven world titles at Mercedes during an incredibly successful 11-year stay with the team.