The Formula 1 grid is set for an electrifying shake-up in 2025 as Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team officially announces its driver lineup, featuring a blend of established talent and rising stardom. Young gun Kimi Antonelli will join forces with the seasoned George Russell, creating a dynamic partnership that signals a bold step forward for the Silver Arrows. This reveal confirms weeks of speculation and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter for the team and fans alike, eager to see how this fresh pairing will fare in the competitive world of Formula 1.
Antonelli’s ascent to the pinnacle of motorsport has been nothing short of meteoric. Becoming part of the Mercedes junior program at just 12 years old in 2019, the Italian driver has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. His karting accolades include prestigious FIA Karting European Championship and WSK Euro Series titles, showcasing his talent from a young age. Transitioning to single-seaters, Antonelli continued his dominant form, securing both the ADAC and Italian Formula 4 championships in 2022, followed by the Formula Regional European Championship in 2023. His seamless adaptation to FIA Formula 2 in 2024, marked by two impressive victories, including a Feature Race win in Budapest, solidified his readiness for the Formula 1 challenge.
“To be named as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025 is an incredible feeling,” Antonelli stated, reflecting on his momentous promotion. “Realizing my Formula 1 dream, a goal since childhood, is truly special. I am deeply grateful for the team’s unwavering support throughout my junior career and the trust they’ve placed in me. While I recognize I’m still on a steep learning curve, I feel prepared to seize this opportunity and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.” He further added, “I’m also thrilled to be partnering with George. Having followed his journey through the Mercedes junior program, I have immense respect for his abilities. He’s exceptionally quick, a proven Grand Prix winner, and has already been instrumental in my development as a driver. I’m eager to learn from him and collaborate effectively to achieve our on-track objectives.”
Markus Schäfer, Non-Executive Chairman & Mercedes-Benz AG CTO, echoed the enthusiasm surrounding the new driver pairing. “This is a momentous occasion for the team as we announce our 2025 driver lineup. We are embarking on the next chapter of our racing legacy, and we are confident in the strength of our driver partnership to lead us forward. George has evolved into an elite driver, evidenced by his multiple Grand Prix wins. His progression through our junior program and his establishment as a team leader have been impressive to witness. Kimi, mirroring George and Lewis’s trajectory, represents the exceptional talent nurtured within our own system. His junior records are undeniably outstanding, and his raw speed is unmistakable. We eagerly anticipate seeing him in a race seat next season and witnessing his extraordinary talent flourish in a Mercedes Formula 1 car.” The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is clearly positioning itself for a thrilling future with this driver announcement, blending youthful potential with established expertise for the 2025 season and beyond.
