BREAKING: Mercedes' Hamilton Replacement ABSENT as Rival F1

Mercedes’ Hamilton Replacement Absent as Rival F1 Star Misses Shock Test

Lewis Hamilton’s expected replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season was unexpectedly forced to pull out of a surprise test event at the last minute. This news comes just days after Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, made his emotional final appearance for the Brackley-based team before his highly anticipated move to Ferrari.

In his final race for Mercedes, Hamilton delivered a remarkable performance, finishing fourth after starting 16th due to a disappointing qualifying session. The result prompted emotional scenes in the Mercedes garage, marking the end of a historic 12-year partnership between Hamilton and the team. Over his tenure, Hamilton brought immense success, including multiple championship victories, and his departure marks the end of an era for the team.

With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari confirmed earlier in the season, speculation has been rife over who would replace him at Mercedes. Max Verstappen, the current world champion and Hamilton’s fierce rival, was heavily linked to the seat. However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made a bold decision to place his faith in rookie Kimi Antonelli, a rising star in motorsport. Antonelli will join George Russell in the 2025 season, forming a fresh and youthful driver lineup for Mercedes as they look toward the future.

Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian driver, has been touted as one of the most promising talents in the sport. However, his F1 journey got off to a rough start when he crashed out during his first appearance in Free Practice 1 at Monza. Despite the setback, Antonelli remains optimistic about his potential, determined to prove himself in his debut season in Formula 1.

Before beginning his full-time F1 career, Antonelli was scheduled to participate in the Japanese Super Formula Championship’s winter test at Suzuka Circuit. The test would have provided him with valuable experience at a new track in preparation for the upcoming season. However, Antonelli was forced to withdraw from the event due to a lingering illness, the same illness that had prevented him from competing in the Formula 2 finale the previous weekend.

This setback comes as a major blow to the young driver, who was hoping to gain more track time before his F1 debut. Despite this, Antonelli remains confident in his abilities and is looking forward to the 2025 season with Mercedes. The team’s decision to back him highlights their belief in his long-term potential, despite his early struggles.

While Antonelli was unable to take part in the Suzuka test, fellow rookie Oliver Bearman is still expected to participate. Bearman, another young talent on the rise, will get his first chance to drive the Dallara SF23 at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. In an official statement, Bearman expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “I’m really excited to be driving at Suzuka in the Super Formula car. It’s one of the circuits which will be new to me next season, so getting the chance to experience it, and in such an amazing car, will be super helpful.”

Bearman’s appearance at the test will offer him crucial preparation for the 2025 season, and both he and Antonelli are viewed as part of a new generation of drivers looking to make their mark in Formula 1. As for Antonelli, while his illness has delayed his immediate plans, he will be focusing on regaining full health and preparing for his F1 debut.

Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes and Antonelli’s promotion marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team. The decision to invest in young talent like Antonelli shows Mercedes’ commitment to the future, and despite this initial setback, the Italian is determined to seize the opportunity and become a key player for the team in the years to come.