It had long been a virtual open secret that Mercedes’ choice would fall on Antonelli. Team boss Toto Wolff had announced this more or less often and openly. The announcement was made in Monza at Ferrari’s home race, where the Scuderia usually likes to announce personal details. Antonelli only turned 18 on Sunday – one of the requirements for a Formula 1 driving license for several years. However, a rule added to in June now allows exceptions again. This is not necessary anyway for the designated Mercedes regular driver, who everyone just calls Kimi Antonelli. He comes from Mercedes’ youth development program and is currently driving – like Mick Schumacher once did – for the Italian Prema team. In 2022 he won the German Formula 4 championship. He skipped Formula 3 and is driving in Formula 2 this year. From 2025 he will be a Formula 1 driver. “Getting into Formula 1 is a dream that I have had since I was a child,” said Antonelli, who Wolff wants to turn into a champion under his leadership.
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