Aug.31 - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has announced its driver lineup for the 2025 F1 season, featuring the seasoned George Russell alongside the rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. At just 18 years old, Antonelli makes the leap from FIA F2, following in Russell's footsteps as a graduate of Mercedes' prestigious junior program.
Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff expressed his enthusiasm for the new pairing, highlighting the balance of experience and raw talent that Russell and Antonelli bring to the team. "Our 2025 lineup is a blend of proven skill, youthful energy, and exceptional speed. We’re thrilled about what George and Kimi will contribute, both as individuals and as a dynamic duo," Wolff said. He emphasized that this combination is ideal for the next phase of Mercedes’ journey, while also underscoring the success of their junior program in nurturing top-tier talent.
Wolff praised Russell, calling him one of the sport's elite drivers. "George has consistently demonstrated his speed, consistency, and determination, and he has grown into a key leader within our team," Wolff noted. He also expressed confidence in Antonelli's ability to rise to the challenge of F1, citing the young driver's impressive performance during testing this year. "Kimi has the raw speed and talent to compete at the highest level, and with George as a mentor, we’re confident he’ll quickly adapt and excel."
Russell, who joined Mercedes' junior program in 2017, has quickly ascended through the ranks of motorsport, claiming both the GP3 and F2 titles in his debut seasons. After making a name for himself during his time with Williams, including a standout performance for Mercedes at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, he was promoted to the team in 2022. Since then, Russell has secured his first F1 victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix and added multiple wins to his record, including a triumph in Austria this year.
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Mercedes, with this new driver lineup poised to continue the team's competitive legacy at the front of the grid.
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Finally, this open secret is official.
Yes, very annoying...
Hopefully for Mercedes, he won't keep crashing cars after almost 2 laps every session next season...
Can't believe he took so much risk in his first outing and made a fool of himself.