'Mercedes have made a deal with this driver for the 2025 season'

Rumors

Mercedes opts for Antonelli
12 June at 11:00
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    After dropping Max Verstappen as an option for Mercedes, the constructor has now have their new driver confirmed. At least, Germany's BILD have reported this. Toto Wolff's team has reportedly put their money where their mouth is and found Lewis Hamilton's successor.

    'Mercedes finally decides'

    The Silver Arrows have a gap to fill with seven-time world champion from Stevenage leaving to drive for Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc in 2025. It won't be Carlos Sainz either, according to the outlet. Who it will be? Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 17-year-old talent from Bologna will appears to be in the Mercedes next year.

    Wolff has made no secret of wanting to pursue Verstappen as well in his hunt for a second driver. GPblog previously reported that Verstappen is staying with Red Bull, so Mercedes lost that chance. For some months, Antonelli has been in Mercedes's eye, but the constructor has now sealed the deal, the German outlet reports.

    This article was written in collaboration with Ben Stevens