Antonelli selects car number for his Formula 1 debut

Kimi Antonelli has confirmed the car number he wishes to use when his Formula 1 career officially begins in 2025, pending approval from the FIA. Antonelli was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s future successor at Mercedes during last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, where he also made his FP1 debut.

In a press conference held in the Monza paddock, the 18-year-old answered numerous questions from the media regarding his promotion, including one about the number that will feature on his car. Antonelli promptly stated that he prefers the number 12, as he used it while securing the Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022, as well as the Middle East and European Formula Regional championships last year.

“I have many numbers that I like, but 12 is a special one,” Antonelli remarked. “I’ve been using it since F4, and it has always brought me success, so there’s no reason to change it for next year.”

With the announcement made and his F1 debut just a few months away, Antonelli began to contemplate what lies ahead as a Silver Arrows driver alongside George Russell. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since a very young age,” he said. “To finally be announced as a driver for 2025 is an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to get started.”

Regarding stepping into the shoes of seven-time world champion Hamilton, he added: “Well, I think it’s impossible to replace him. He’s such a significant figure in the sport today and has achieved so much in his career. I don’t want to view it as replacing him; I’m simply the next driver for Mercedes. He’s a really great guy and has offered me some support, so I’m very grateful.”

For the remainder of the year, Antonelli will continue to drive previous F1 machinery as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme established by Mercedes, while also completing his rookie season in F2, where he currently sits sixth in the standings with three rounds remaining.
Kimi Antonelli has revealed the car number he intends to use when he embarks on his Formula 1 career in 2025, subject to FIA approval. The announcement of Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s future replacement at Mercedes was made during the recent Italian Grand Prix, where he also made his debut in FP1.

Antonelli

During a press conference in the Monza paddock, the 18-year-old fielded a variety of questions from journalists about his promotion, including one concerning the number he would like on his car. Antonelli expressed a clear preference for the number 12, which he has used to great effect while winning the Italian and ADAC F4 championships in 2022, as well as the Middle East and European Formula Regional titles last year.

“I have several numbers that I like, but 12 holds a special significance for me,” Antonelli stated. “I’ve carried it since my time in F4, and it has consistently brought me good fortune, so I see no reason to change it for next year.”

With his F1 debut approaching in just a few months, Antonelli is beginning to reflect on his future as a driver for the Silver Arrows alongside George Russell. “This is something I’ve aspired to since I was very young,” he shared. “Being officially announced as a driver for 2025 is an extraordinary feeling. I’m eager to get started.”

When discussing the prospect of following in the footsteps of seven-time world champion Hamilton, he remarked, “I believe it’s impossible to truly replace him. He is such an iconic figure in the sport and has accomplished so much throughout his career. I prefer to think of myself as the next driver for Mercedes rather than his replacement. He’s a fantastic person and has provided me with invaluable support, for which I am very thankful.”

For the remainder of the year, Antonelli will continue to test previous F1 cars as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme initiated by Mercedes, while also finishing his rookie season in F2, where he currently stands sixth in the championship with three rounds left to compete.

Antonelli
Click HERE to learn more about this promotion (18+)

Leave a reply

Malta Sport News
Privacy Overview
  • This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing when you return to our website and helping our team understand which sections of the website are most interesting and useful to you.
  • Cloudflare cookie does not collect data but is necessary for the operation of the website.