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Lewis Hamilton's future replacement at Mercedes Kimi Antonelli has confirmed the car number he would like to use for his Formula 1 career. His career will officially begin in 2025 after the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) approval. In the Monza Paddock, a press conference was announced where the youngster answered a lot of questions from the media including the car number of his career.
Car Number he wishes to use
Antonelli replied that car number 12 is his preference. According to him, he used the number for the Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022. He had the same car number in the Middle East and European Formula Regional crowns last year.
“I have many numbers that I like, but 12 is a special one. I have been using it since F4 [and] it always went well, so there’s no reason to change it for next year," said the 18-year-old.
Antonelli also shared his reaction to his future sharing the roster with Silver Arrows driver George Russell.
“Obviously it’s something I’ve been dreaming of since a very young age. To finally be announced as a driver for 2025 is such a great feeling. I cannot wait to get started," he said.
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Antonelli on being Hamilton's replacement
Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari next year replacing Carlos Sainz. The current Mercedez star signed a two-year contract that expires at the end of 2025. Kimi Antonelli has been announced his replacement. He shared his views on filling the shoes of legend.
“Well, I think, it’s not possible to replace [him]. He’s such a great figure in the sport today and he has achieved so much in his career. I don’t want to see it as his replacement, I’m just the next driver for Mercedes. He’s a really great guy, he’s given me some support, so I’m really happy," he said
Antonelli will continue to drive previous F1 machinery as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme formed by Mercedes, as well as participating in his rookie season in F2.
Antonelli's achievements
The 18-year-old won the WSK Euro Series and Super Master Series titles in the OK Junior category during that season, also finishing as the runner-up in the FIA Karting European Championship and securing fifth place in the FIA Karting World Championship. In 2020, he advanced to the OK class, winning both the FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series. In 2021, he competed in various international karting series in the OK class, capturing the FIA European Championship once more before transitioning to single-seater racing. He made his debut in Italian Formula 4 with Prema for the last three rounds of the season, where he demonstrated impressive pace and achieved several podium finishes. He continued in F4 full-time in 2022, clinching both the ADAC and Italian titles with Prema Racing. In 2023, he moved up to Formula Regional, winning the Middle Eastern version of the series and subsequently the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, with five race victories. For 2024, Kimi has advanced to Formula 2 with Prema, competing on the Formula 1 support race calendar.
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