Kimi Antonelli has revealed that Toto Wolff discussed the prospect of him replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes before Ferrari publicly announced the seven-time world champion’s move to Maranello. The Italian was not yet 18 and had not even begun his Formula 2 career when the unexpected conversation took place at Silverstone.
The revelation offers new insight into how early the Austrian Mercedes team principal had formed a clear vision for the team’s future. Speaking on SAP’s YouTube channel, Kimi Antonelli recalled the surprise meeting that ultimately set him on the path towards his Formula 1 debut in March 2025.
Kimi Antonelli received an unexpected summons from Toto Wolff
“It was 2024, the year I turned 18. It was February, and I was at Silverstone doing some F3 testing to learn the circuit because I would be racing there in F2. At the end of that day, Toto called me into his office,” Kimi Antonelli explained as he began recounting how his journey into Formula 1 unfolded.
That journey started more than a year before his eventual debut. Kimi Antonelli entered Formula 1 in March 2025 after Mercedes selected him to fill the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton, establishing him as the seven-time champion’s highly rated Mercedes successor.
“I went into his office, and Toto was there, along with Rosa, who helps me during race weekends. Toto didn’t waste any time and went straight to the point. It even happened before Lewis’s move to Ferrari was announced,” Kimi Antonelli continued.
Toto Wolff discussed Kimi Antonelli replacing Lewis Hamilton
Kimi Antonelli recalled that the meeting took place in February 2024, although no precise date has emerged for the private Silverstone test. Ferrari announced Lewis Hamilton’s arrival on the evening of 1 February, following intense speculation that had circulated since that morning. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the conversation may also have taken place on 1 February, before Ferrari issued its official confirmation.
“Toto told me: ‘Listen, Lewis is going to Ferrari. And we were thinking of putting you in the car next year.’ I thought: ‘Wow.’ My eyes were wide open, and I replied: ‘Are you joking?’ I hadn’t even started F2 and I had so much to prove.”
“I told him: ‘OK.’ And he said: ‘Well, if the opportunity came up, would you be ready?’ I replied: ‘Yeah, I mean, I have to be ready.’”
Mercedes’ early confidence proved decisive
The discussion underlined how strongly Toto Wolff believed in Kimi Antonelli’s potential even before the Italian had competed in Formula 2. Mercedes ultimately followed through with its succession plan, handing him a Formula 1 race seat for 2025 after Lewis Hamilton left for Ferrari.
Kimi Antonelli has since rewarded that confidence, developing from an inexperienced teenager into a championship contender. His recent Hungarian Grand Prix podium extended his 2026 championship advantage, while his position at the top can be followed in the latest Formula 1 driver standings.
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