Source: REUTERS/RULA ROUHANA
[Saba Sports News] Lewis Hamilton, who is currently 38 years old, will
see his contract with the Mercedes-AMG team expire at the end of 2025. As
Hamilton will be turning 40 by then, the possibility of retirement is not ruled
out. In anticipation of this, the Mercedes-AMG team has begun making
preparations for the future by searching for Hamilton’s replacement, and one
potential candidate is 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli, who has achieved
numerous karting championships, joined the Mercedes team in 2019. In the
current European Regional Formula Championship (FRECA), Antonelli has displayed
impressive performance and secured the championship title in his debut
appearance. He is widely regarded as the most promising driver after Max
Verstappen. Typically, most drivers gain experience in Formula 3 before
progressing further. However, the Mercedes team is taking an unconventional
approach by planning to directly place Antonelli in Formula 2 next year. If
Antonelli performs well in the upcoming F2 season, he will have the opportunity
to make his debut in the F1 Grand Prix in 2026. In response, Antonelli stated
that F2 is a highly competitive series with numerous skilled drivers. He
doesn’t expect smooth sailing in next year’s F2 competition but remains
committed to learning and striving to represent the Mercedes team in Formula 1
as soon as possible.