Sawt Falasteen - Teen sensation Antonelli adamant he's no 'replacement' for Hamilton

Seven-times world champion Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari created a vacancy at his old team, with 18-year-old Italian driver Antonelli now partnering the experienced George Russell, who finished sixth last season, at the Silver Arrows.

"I mean I don't find it right to say that I'm his replacement, I mean he has done so much in the sport and I just feel I am the next Mercedes driver and I really want to make my own story," Antonelli said at the 2025 F1 season launch in London on Tuesday.

"But definitely racing for Mercedes is a big responsibility because it's obviously a top team.

"At the same time it's a great opportunity, it's a privilege to be where I am today and I just try to make the best of this opportunity."

Antonelli added he had received advice from Hamilton, telling reporters: "He said mainly to enjoy, not worry about the external circumstances, just work on yourself, enjoy the process."

Hamilton had an astonishing rookie season, finishing second in 2007 while driving for McLaren alongside Fernando Alonso, who was coming off successive F1 world titles.

Antonelli said the most impressive aspect of Hamilton's "incredible" debut campaign was his consistency.

"I feel like what he (Hamilton) did really well is starting off well and then keep developing without trying to do too much," said Antonelli. "That's why he did an amazing season and that's what I'm going to try to do. Just enjoy, work hard."

- Bumpy start 'part of journey' -

Antonelli was confirmed as Hamilton's successor at last year's Italian Grand Prix, one day after his debut on an F1 race weekend ended early with a crash in the opening stages of first practice at Monza.

"Of course you don't want to make any more mistakes like this, but it's part of the journey, it can happen," said Antonelli.

"To be honest I wouldn't like knowing that I'm just holding myself because of being worried about what people might think. So I'm just going to go there on the track and push."

Antonelli will now carry the hopes of Italian F1 fans that one of their own could bring glory back to a motorsport-mad nation which has not had a Grand Prix winner since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.

The last Italian to win the drivers' world championship was Alberto Ascari in 1953, although 1978 champion Mario Andretti was born in Italy even if he represented the United States.

Many Italian supporters, however, will remain devoted to their native Ferrari team, a constant presence throughout Formula One's 75-year history.

"I mean the Tifosi (Ferrari's most committed fans) have a really strong passion for Ferrari but I think they're very excited for a next Italian driver," said Antonelli.

"There's a lot of hype around already, but I think it's great there's such a positive energy. I'm really looking forward to racing in my two home races (Emilia-Romagna and Monza) because many people are very excited."

G.AbuOdeh--SF-PST