In place of the 40-year-old, Wolff opted to sign 18-year-old Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli for 2025, with the Italian youngster now gearing up to compete in his first full-time season in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli was more nervous than he had been for some time. A racing driver’s career can often hinge on sliding doors moments such as these. The 18-year-old wasn’t trying to secure a Formula One drive. He completed that mission months ago when he signed with Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton.

The Briton took part in a Pirelli tyre test for 2026 alongside Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Lewis Hamilton fans have sent a clear message to Ferrari Formula 1 team over their preference on the team's 2025 driver duo ahead of the upcoming season opener. The new season is set to get underway at the Australian Grand Prix for Hamilton's first weekend racing in red from March 14 to 16, 2025.

It seems as though Lewis Hamilton might still be figuring out his footing at Ferrari's testing days. At least, based on the fact that the seven-time Formula 1 champion crashed during his second test day with the team, while testing in Spain.