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Kimi Antonelli discusses promotion to Mercedes Formula 1 team

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 10:00 AM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Kimi Antonelli discusses promotion to Mercedes Formula 1 team

Summary

Kimi Antonelli revealed that he was informed by Toto Wolff about his promotion to the Mercedes Formula 1 team in February 2024, prior to Lewis Hamilton’s announced move to Ferrari. The young Italian driver, who has established himself as a championship leader, will fill the seat left by Hamilton after the 2024 season. Antonelli shared that he was taken aback by the announcement as he had not yet made his Formula 2 debut, but felt compelled to be ready for the opportunity. His promotion was officially confirmed at the start of the summer break.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Antonelli informed of Mercedes promotion before Hamilton to Ferrari.
•Promotion confirmed during 2024 summer break.
•Antonelli had not yet debuted in Formula 2 at the time.
•Experienced support from Mercedes included F1 testing.
•Antonelli is currently leading the championship.

Latest Updates

10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Antonelli shares untold story of Mercedes Formula 1 promotion

What they're saying

"
Kimi Antonelli has revealed Toto Wolff informed him he would be driving for Mercedes even before Lewis Hamilton's shock move to Ferrari was announced in February 2024. The young Italian, who has firmly established himself as the championship leader, was entrusted with both a tremendous honour and a daunting responsibility when Mercedes selected him as Hamilton's successor.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Ferrari Mercedes F1 Motorsports