Mercedes says its significant progress of late will have no bearing on the choice of its driver line-up for 2025, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli still the favorite to fill Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming vacant seat.
As Mercedes has found its feet and returned to the front of the grid with three wins in the last four races, questions have been raised about whether the team might opt for a more experienced driver to complement George Russell.
Carlos Sainz was at one point considered a potential contender for the coveted seat, but the outgoing Ferrari driver’s recent signing with Williams has removed him from the Brackley squad’s prospective shortlist.
Therefore, all signs continue to point to Antonelli as Mercedes’ most probable choice, especially as trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has dismissed any suggestion that the team’s improved form will influence their driver decision.
“To be honest, where we’re racing doesn’t really affect that,” the Briton told F1.com. “We want the two best drivers and we need to make the best car, and the team are going to focus on that.
“I think, if you get those ingredients right, you’ll do fine. But certainly, where we are in the competitive order doesn’t affect whether we’re looking for an experienced driver or a young driver.”
Antonelli has rapidly climbed the motorsport ladder, impressing many with his raw talent. His recent performances in F2, coupled with his test outings for Mercedes, have generated a significant buzz around his potential.
But what qualities has the 17-year-old charger displayed to impress Mercedes so much?
“His speed is the main thing,” commented Shovlin. “He’s gone through the series very, very quickly. It wasn’t long ago that he was driving go-karts, he’s now in F2, he’s testing an F1 car with us.
“He’s got a very impressive CV for someone so young, and no doubt he’ll have a bright future. But he looks like one of those naturally gifted talents that everyone’s trying to find.”
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