Antonelli adamant: 'I am not Hamilton's replacement'

For over a decade, Mercedes was Lewis Hamilton's team - still a Formula 1 icon. As is well known, the Brit has made the switch to Ferrari and Mercedes is now home to George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The latter, naturally lacks Hamilton's status, since he is after all a rookie, but the Italian himself does not want to be compared to the Brit either. Hamilton's replacement? He answered that question to GPblog and other media present in London.

Without a doubt Hamilton will be the yardstick pundits and fans use to measure Antonelli's performance in 2025. The Briton gave Mercedes tens and tens of wins and multiple championships, and as the German team's principal and CEO, Toto Wolff, has reiterated, no one within the team expects Antonelli to emulate Hamilton's success, especially not this season, his first ever in the sport.

Is Antonelli, Hamilton's replacement: "Well, I don't find it right to say that I’m his replacement. He has done so much in the sport, and I just feel [as] the next Mercedes driver and I really want to make my own story," the Italian states to GPblog and others.

"But definitely, racing for Mercedes Benz, is a big responsibility because it's obviously a top team. But at the same time it's a great opportunity. It's a privilege to be where I am today, and I just try to make the best out of this opportunity," concludes the Italian junior.