Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes Engineers Already Love One Key Trait of Hamilton’s Successor

Mercedes has always been a team that values precision, talent, and personality in its drivers. As they prepare for a major transition in 2025, all eyes are on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian prodigy chosen to fill the vacant seat left by Lewis Hamilton. It’s an enormous challenge for any driver, let alone an 18-year-old making his Formula 1 debut. However, Antonelli has already made a strong impression on his engineers, with one immediately obvious trait that could make all the difference in his maiden campaign.

Replacing a seven-time world champion is never easy. Historically, only two drivers have had to undertake such a daunting task in F1. When Michael Schumacher left Ferrari at the end of 2006, Kimi Raikkonen stepped in and immediately claimed the drivers’ championship. Years later, when Schumacher retired from Mercedes in 2012, Lewis Hamilton made the move from McLaren, embarking on a journey that would see him match Schumacher’s legendary record. Now, in 2025, the responsibility falls on Antonelli to take the reins at Mercedes, a team undergoing a significant transformation.

Antonelli’s promotion to Mercedes comes at a crucial juncture in F1 history. The 2024 season marks the final year of the current regulations, meaning that every one of his competitors will have more experience with the current generation of cars than he does. While Antonelli has undergone extensive private testing, no amount of simulation can fully prepare him for the intensity of real race conditions. That’s why every advantage will count in his transition to the sport’s highest level.

One factor that could work in Antonelli’s favor is the decision of Peter Bonnington, Hamilton’s longtime race engineer, to remain at Mercedes. Bonnington’s experience and understanding of how to nurture a championship-caliber driver will be invaluable in helping Antonelli adjust to F1’s demands. His presence ensures a continuity of knowledge within the team, providing the young Italian with a solid foundation as he navigates his debut season.

Beyond technical expertise, Antonelli has already demonstrated a key attribute that is winning over the Mercedes garage: his personality. Journalist Lawrence Edmondson recently shared insights from his interview with Antonelli during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, highlighting how the young driver’s charisma and approachable nature have resonated with the team. Edmondson noted that during a casual conversation with engineers, Antonelli had them fully engaged, a rare quality that can make a significant impact on team dynamics.

Mercedes engineers are fully aware of Antonelli’s importance to the future of the team. With Hamilton’s departure marking the end of an era, they are eager for Antonelli to succeed, and early signs suggest that they are rallying behind him. Edmondson pointed out that Antonelli’s natural charm, combined with his status as a rising star, has already forged strong connections within the team. This level of camaraderie and enthusiasm could be instrumental in smoothing out the inevitable challenges of a rookie season.

While Antonelli’s potential is undeniable, expectations for his debut campaign must be managed realistically. Pre-season testing in Bahrain will provide the first real glimpse into how competitive he can be. On paper, Mercedes is expected to be one of four teams—alongside Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren—capable of fighting for victories in 2025. However, the true pecking order will only become clear once the cars hit the track in race conditions.

George Russell, now the de facto team leader at Mercedes, will be aiming to challenge Max Verstappen and assert himself as a title contender. Where this leaves Antonelli is still unknown. While team principal Toto Wolff has attempted to temper expectations, it’s unlikely that Antonelli will be content with a passive approach to his first season. Given his reputation for aggressive racing and strong determination, he will be eager to make a statement as soon as he gets the opportunity.

Antonelli’s recent experience in Formula 2, albeit challenging, has prepared him for the rigors of elite competition. After a season where Prema’s F2 car underperformed and a dramatic crash at Monza left a lasting impression, he is determined to rewrite his narrative when he steps into an F1 car for the first time. His debut at Albert Park will be a defining moment, setting the tone for what could be a long and illustrious career at Mercedes.

With the backing of a powerhouse team, a respected engineer in his corner, and an engaging personality that has already endeared him to his colleagues, Antonelli is in a strong position heading into his first season. The 2025 season will be a learning curve, but if his engineers’ early enthusiasm is anything to go by, Mercedes may have just found their next superstar in Andrea Kimi Antonelli.