sad news; Lewis Hamilton replacement poised for Mercedes F1 debut as Max Verstappen hopes fade…….
The 18-year-old has emerged as the leading candidate to replace the seven-time World Champion when he moves to Ferrari next season, with Antonelli set for his FP1 debut with Mercedes on Friday when he takes the wheel of George Russell’s car.
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher and Sam Cooper
Antonelli, currently in his debut season in Formula 2 with Prema, has emerged as the favourite to take over the seat set to be vacated by Hamilton at the end of the year, with the Italian having served as a junior driver with the Silver Arrows since his karting days.
Hamilton had said earlier this season he would pick the teenager to replace him, given the choice, and he appears to be the driver most likely to take on the seat as it stands – though Mercedes are yet to confirm their decision at time of writing.
Having shaken Hamilton’s hand as a grid kid before a race several years ago, there is a chance Antonelli could line up against Hamilton next season, something which the seven-time World Champion believes would be a deserved opportunity.
“Well, I said a long time ago that I think that’s who the team should choose moving forwards,” Hamilton told media including PlanetF1.com at Monza.
“Time will tell what they end up deciding to do, but I think he’s one of those young, super talented kids that’s come through. I mean, he’s a young adult now, but he’s only 18.
