Kimi Antonelli Extends Mercedes Contract, Emphasizes Growth as a Teammate

Kimi Antonelli has reaffirmed his commitment to Mercedes, signing a contract renewal for the 2025 season. Despite a rookie year marked by inconsistency, Antonelli believes his challenging experiences have forged him into a "stronger team-mate," a sentiment echoed by Mercedes' decision to retain him.

Why it matters:

Mercedes' decision to extend Antonelli's contract signals their continued faith in the young driver, despite a roller-coaster debut season. His development is crucial for Mercedes' future, especially as the team aims to solidify its position against rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull and prepare for the significant regulation changes in 2026. A stronger, more cohesive driver pairing will be vital for championship contention.

The Details:

• Mixed Rookie Season: Antonelli's first season, stepping into Lewis Hamilton's shoes, has been a blend of highs and lows. He secured a Sprint pole in Miami and achieved his first Grand Prix podium with a third-place finish in Canada.
• Performance Fluctuations: These successes were contrasted by less impressive outings, including what Toto Wolff described as an "underwhelming" performance in Italy.
• Recent Improvement: Antonelli has shown recent signs of progress, with a fourth-place finish in Azerbaijan and a fifth in Singapore. These results have contributed to Mercedes climbing to second in the Constructors' Championship, creating a gap over Ferrari and Red Bull.
• Contract Specifics: The official announcement did not disclose the length of the contracts for Antonelli or George Russell. Both drivers are currently confirmed only for the 2025 season, leaving questions open regarding Mercedes' 2027 line-up.
• Antonelli's Reflection: Upon his renewal, Antonelli stated, "I've learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team-mate too."

What's next:

Antonelli's immediate focus, and that of Mercedes, is to conclude the current season strongly. The team is determined to secure second place in the Constructors' Championship before fully shifting their attention to the preparations for the 2026 regulations. With six races remaining, Antonelli emphasized that both he and the team are committed to giving their all to achieve their objectives.