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Toto Wolff rubbishes rumours of Mercedes already choosing Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for 2025.
Antonelli is currently competing in Formula 2 with Prema (Image Credit: Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images)Rumours of Antonelli partenring up with Russell in 2025 had intensified after the FIA dropped the age limit to 17 for a superlicence.
However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff denies that any decision has been made. Instead, the Austrian say his team will take “as long as possible” to decide who will replace outgoing Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli is still in Mercedes’ thinking, deciding whether to promote its young talent. However, the Brackley team have also been trying to lure three-time world champion Max Verstappen to the team. However, the Dutchman is contracted to Red Bull until 2028.
Focus must be on improving W15
However, Wolff believes his team needs to focus on improving the pace of its W15. The Austrian believes that by improving the car, the team will have a better chance of luring the Red Bull driver.
The Silver Arrows endured a difficult start to the 2024 season. However, the Brackley team secured back-to-back podiums in Canada and Spain.
The Mercedes boss was asked whether the last two races was enough to convince Verstappen to make the switch. However, the 52-year-old emphasised his point on focusing on improving the W15 still.
“I think we need to just continue to improve and look at ourselves, most importantly, as a team with our drivers, Lewis and George,” he said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“We’ve just got to get better and hopefully consolidate our ability to get on the podium and, at a certain stage, be able to win races on our own, and good drivers will want to come.”
Russell has said he would like the challenge of havig Verstappen as his teammate (Image Credit: Clive Rose – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)No conversations with Verstappen yet
Wolff made it clear that no conversations have taken place with Verstappen regarding next year.
“No, there’s no talks that are taking place at this stage. Because I think we need to look at ourselves and on improving the car,” the Mercedes boss said.
Reports in the German press suggested that a decision has already been made, promoting Antonelli, who is competing in his maiden season in Formula 2 with Prema.
However, Wolff denied reports of Mercedes already deciding on Antonelli. Instead, the Austrian emphasised the importance of evaluating the driver market before making a decision:
“No driver decision has been made – I said, we want to keep this decision as long as possible, because who knows what happens.”
Who do you think will partner Russell at Mercedes in 2025?
Feature Image Credit: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images