JUST IN; Mercedes Toto Wolf decides on Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement in five minutes…….

In a press conference following the announcement that Antonelli would be Hamilton’s replacement, Wolf explained that only “five minutes” after Hamilton informed him of his departure at the

end of the 2024 season,  Wolf knew he wanted Antonelli to race with for Mercedes F1 team along with driver George Russell. Wolf’s decision was based on Antonelli’s skill, accomplishments, and character. Wolf also indicated Russell’s readiness to be Mercedes’s senior driver influenced the decision.

Wolf stated that the team met with and considered other drivers, especially Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz (Hamilton is replacing Sainz on the Ferrari team). In the end, however, Wolf decided to move Antonelli into the F1 slot. Wolf focused on the future and showed that the Silver Arrow team values its junior driver program.