Mercedes told replacing Lewis Hamilton with...“not fair

Mercedes told replacing Lewis Hamilton with…“not fair – a…” Read More

Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has voiced concerns over Mercedes’ potential decision to replace Lewis Hamilton with rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, calling it a “mistake.” Jordan believes the team is putting too much pressure on the teenage driver, who may not yet be ready for such a high-profile role.

Speculation has been swirling about who will replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes, as Hamilton is expected to move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Among the names being considered, Antonelli, who has progressed through Mercedes’ ranks, is emerging as a leading candidate. However, Jordan isn’t convinced the 17-year-old Italian driver is ready for the rigors of Formula 1, especially with the level of expectations that come with stepping into Hamilton’s shoes.

Speaking on his Formula For Success podcast, Jordan shared his doubts about Antonelli’s readiness. “I think Mercedes will go with Antonelli, even though I think it’s a mistake,” Jordan said. He pointed out that the pressure on the young driver could be overwhelming. “You are putting incredible pressure on him,” he continued. “Mercedes should be fighting for a constructors’ championship while they still look after Antonelli, which is what Toto wants to do.”

Jordan also warned against throwing Antonelli into the deep end too soon, describing the situation as similar to putting a “rabbit in the headlights.” He added, “You just don’t want that. It’s not fair.” The former team boss argued that Antonelli’s current performance in Formula 2 has not shown enough to justify promoting him to Formula 1, particularly in a top-tier team like Mercedes. “He’s not doing enough in Formula 2 at the moment to give me the inspiration that he is ready to win grands prix and take on the pressure at Mercedes,” Jordan stated.

Antonelli, who is still in the early stages of his racing career, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to prove himself consistently. At just 17 years old, he skipped over Formula 3 and made his debut in Formula 2 this year. While he has secured one sprint race win and one feature race victory, his overall performance has left some questioning whether he’s ready for the leap to Formula 1.

Despite the concerns, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been a strong advocate for Antonelli, frequently praising his talent. Wolff’s belief in Antonelli’s abilities could ultimately lead to the young driver stepping up to take over from Hamilton in 2025.

However, Jordan isn’t the only one questioning the wisdom of promoting Antonelli so quickly. There are fears that putting him in the spotlight too soon could have negative consequences for both the driver and the team. With Mercedes expected to continue competing at the sharp end of the grid, the pressure to perform will be immense, and some argue that a more experienced driver might be better suited to replace Hamilton.

Currently, only three seats remain unfilled for the 2025 Formula 1 season – one at Sauber, one at Red Bull, and the final spot at Mercedes. With few high-profile candidates left in the driver market, the team is running out of options. If Wolff’s faith in Antonelli holds firm, it appears increasingly likely that the teenager will be given the chance to take over from Hamilton.

The debate over Antonelli’s potential promotion highlights the difficult balancing act Mercedes faces. On the one hand, they need to nurture young talent and prepare for the future. On the other hand, they must remain competitive in the constructors’ championship, which requires a driver capable of consistently delivering results at the highest level.

If Antonelli is indeed handed the Mercedes seat, he will need to adapt quickly to the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with racing for one of the top teams in Formula 1. The challenge will be monumental, but if Antonelli can rise to the occasion, he could become the next star in the sport. However, if things go wrong, it could be a harsh learning experience for the young driver and a costly gamble for Mercedes.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Mercedes to see if they take the risk with Antonelli or opt for a more seasoned replacement for Hamilton.