Mercedes will hit the refresh button once again in 2025 as they prepare to start the post-Lewis Hamilton era, but one sequence of events could spell horror for Toto Wolff
The arrival of Kimi Antonelli spells the start of a new dawn for Mercedes in 2025 – but success is far from guaranteed.
Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari signals the end of one chapter for the Brackley-based outfit, but a new door will open just as another closes. And through it comes Italian wonderkid Antonelli, who has been causing waves ahead of his Formula 1 debut and will partner George Russell next season.
But after several years of painstaking mediocrity, there’s a reality in which Mercedes face even rougher times ahead. And avoiding some of those nightmare scenarios may be outside their control altogether.
Toto Wolff has his work cut out for him in restoring the Silver Arrows to their former glories ahead of F1 revolutionising its regulations in 2026. And Mirror Sport flicks through some of the ways in which 2025 could materialise as one of their worst seasons to date.
Kimi Antonelli abrupt departure
The announcement concerning Antonelli’s promotion to the Silver Arrows’ senior line-up is still rippling through the F1 community at present. Hopes are high for what the 18-year-old could accomplish as Hamilton’s heir, with Wolff praying his project can strike a chord that’s been missing in the Mercedes set-up for some time.
However, it’s not outside the realms of possibility that Antonelli hits all the wrong notes in his maiden Mercedes year. And considering he’s penned only a one-year contract at Brackley, the team is within its rights to cut ties at the end of 2025 if his performances aren’t showing the right kind of promise.
F1 can be a relentless and unforgiving sport at the best of times, and one in which team chiefs can’t afford to bide much time in the hopes a prospect will come good. After raising his hopes of what Antonelli might accomplish so high, it would be another devastating blow if the Formula 2 talent were to only last a single season – or less
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