Antonelli makes bold Hamilton declaration ahead of Mercedes debut

Kimi Antonelli has declared that he "does not feel like the replacement of Lewis" as he prepares to succeed the seven-time world champion.

Italian protege Antonelli was drafted in by Toto Wolff to be Lewis Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes for 2025 after he quit to join Ferrari. 

Antonelli is just the sixth Mercedes driver to race for the team since it returned to F1 in 2010, following Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and new team-mate George Russell. 

Aged just 18 years old, he is the first rookie to drive for the team since Karl Kling on Mercedes' own F1 debut in 1954 following a highly-rated junior career in which he was lauded by some as the 'next Max Verstappen.'

Looking ahead to his grand prix debut in 2025, the Italian declared that he simply feels like the "next Mercedes driver" and not Hamilton's replacement.

"First of all, we'll see in the first race how I feel, also speed-wise and how I adapt as well, but of course, it is a big seat," Antonelli told media including RacingNews365.

"But I don't feel like the replacement of Lewis, I just feel like the next Mercedes driver, but it is a big responsibility because I am racing for Mercedes, it is a great opportunity and I'll try to make the best out of it. 

"My mindset is going to be the one of going [to Australia] and try to win, but at the same time, you have to be realistic.

"I'm racing against the other 19 best drivers in the world, so it is not going to be easy, but I am just focused on the work I have to do, trying to do the best job possible, learn as much as possible and see where we end up. 

"I'm just focusing on the day-by-day, on the preparation I have to do with the team, and with [race engineer Peter Bonnington]. 

"It is going well and I'm really looking forward to the first race."