Sauber chief executive Mattia Binotto claims Mercedes offered Kimi Antonelli to his team for a loan move in the 2025 season. This revelation comes as Antonelli ultimately secured a coveted factory seat with Mercedes for his rookie year.
Why it matters
Mercedes' alleged offer of Kimi Antonelli to a rival team for a loan highlights the intense strategic maneuvering in the F1 driver market. It also underscores the high regard Mercedes holds for Antonelli, despite initially considering a temporary placement.
The big picture
Lewis Hamilton's surprise move to Ferrari for 2025 prompted Mercedes to re-evaluate its driver lineup. Team principal Toto Wolff quickly decided on Antonelli, stating his mind was made up "five minutes" after the Hamilton news, despite previous discussions of other options, including potential interest in Max Verstappen.
The details
- Binotto's Claim: Mattia Binotto told an Italian publication that Mercedes "offered him to us," referring to Antonelli. However, Binotto stated he "wasn't involved in the decision" regarding the young Italian's future.
- Antonelli's Fast Track: Antonelli impressively skipped a junior category, moving from Formula 4 to Formula 2 machinery, demonstrating a rapid progression that convinced Mercedes to place him directly into an F1 seat.
- Sauber's Decision: Sauber ultimately opted to sign Brazilian rookie and Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hülkenberg, a move announced later in 2024.
- Rookie Season Performance: Antonelli has shown flashes of brilliance, including his maiden F1 Sprint pole in Miami and a points finish. However, he has also faced the typical challenges of a rookie year, experiencing tougher races as the season progresses.
- Wolff's Backing: Toto Wolff has consistently backed Antonelli, expressing satisfaction with his development. After the Hungarian Grand Prix, Wolff noted that the car was providing more feedback to Antonelli, and praised his point-scoring finish and defense against Isack Hadjar, calling the weekend "transformational."
What's next
Kimi Antonelli aims to build on his learning experiences and strengthen his performance in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, the F1 driver market for the 2026 season continues to take shape, with many seats still open for speculation.