Antonelli shares untold story of Mercedes Formula 1 promotion

The young Italian, who has firmly established himself as the championship leader, was entrusted with both a tremendous honour and a daunting responsibility when Mercedes selected him as Hamilton's successor. Stepping into the seat vacated by the seven-time world champion at the end of the 2024 season, Antonelli brought the curtain down on a remarkable 12-year partnership that ranks among the most successful driver-team alliances in Formula 1 history.

Speaking at SAP, Antonelli recalled the moment in 2024 when Toto Wolff called him into his office at Silverstone after a Formula 3 test session and, even before Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari had been announced, told him that Mercedes were considering promoting him to the Formula 1 team for the following season.

Antonelli admitted he was left stunned by the conversation, as he had not even made his Formula 2 debut and still felt he had plenty to prove before deserving a Formula 1 seat. He nevertheless assured Wolff he would be ready if the opportunity came, with Mercedes then supporting his preparation through testing before officially confirming his promotion at the start of the summer break.

Kimi Antonelli is reportedly facing a multimillion lawsuit from his former manager, who claims he is owed compensation for his role in the Italian's early career. Italian media, including Corriere dello Sport, report that Giovanni Minardi has taken the matter to court, arguing he is owed compensation for guiding Antonelli throughout his junior career before the Italian reached Formula 1.

The case is said to have been ongoing for almost a year and is now before a court in Bologna after Antonelli brought their management agreement to an end prior to his F1 debut. The legal proceedings will determine whether Minardi is entitled to compensation following the termination of the contract.

According to Minardi's lawyer, Mattia Grassani, the disagreement emerged after Antonelli joined Mercedes, with the driver's representatives deciding there was no longer a basis for continuing the partnership. Although both sides reportedly attempted to settle the matter privately, negotiations ultimately collapsed without an agreement being reached.