Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has shared his thoughts on the vacant seat he will be leaving at Mercedes at the end of the season as he moves to Ferrari in 2025.
When asked if current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. would be a viable replacement for him, Hamilton responded by saying that the Spaniard would be a positive addition to any team, but he would prefer to have a much younger driver taking his seat.
"Honestly I have no idea what Toto's plans are but for me, taking on a youngster... If it was my job, if it was my role, I would probably take on Kimi [Antonelli]," the seven-time world champion stated during a media session ahead of the 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Thursday, May 16th.
Antonelli currently drives for Prema Racing in Formula 2, where he is teammates with another driver rumored to have a full-time F1 seat next season, Oliver Bearman.
The 17-year-old Italian has several junior titles to his name, including the 2022 Italian F4 Championship, the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 Championship, and the 2023 Formula Regional European Championship, all achieved with Prema Racing.
Former Mercedes champion has a different opinion on Kimi Antonelli
On the other hand, Hamilton's former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg has a different opinion on Antonelli.
"[It is] too early for Toto to choose Antonelli. That's asking a lot, because he hasn't shown anything in Formula 2 yet. That's the minimum requirement to do well in Formula 2 in order to be considered for Formula 1," the 2016 F1 world champion said.
Rosberg added that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff must take his time and wait until summer or autumn to decide who will take the vacant seat left by Hamilton.
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