Rosberg Urges Caution in Hamilton Replacement Decision: Recommends Mercedes Wait on Antonelli’s F1 Readiness

Nico Rosberg recommends Mercedes not rush their choice for Lewis Hamilton's successor.

Nico Rosberg thinks that it's "premature" for Mercedes leader Toto Wolff to decide if Andrea Kimi Antonelli is prepared to advance to F1.

Mercedes-affiliated driver Antonelli is reportedly the top pick of the Silver Arrows to fill the vacancy left by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari in 2025.

The acclaimed 17-year-old racer from Italy is participating in his debut F2 season this year with Prema, bypassing F3 altogether, but 2016 world champion Rosberg has encouraged Mercedes to be patient and deliberate before reaching a definitive decision.

"Rosberg has expressed to Sky Sports F1 that Antonelli is undoubtedly a rising star, however, it's simply premature for him at this point, and particularly for Toto to reach a decision regarding Antonelli."

He must delay his plans until later in the year to observe Antonelli's performance in F2 since a standout season in F2 is essential for him to directly advance to Mercedes.

"Alternatively, spending some time with Williams or a similar team could be a logical step."

During the Miami Grand Prix, it came to light that an unidentified team had submitted a petition to the FIA, seeking approval for Antonelli to receive a superlicence prior to his 18th birthday in August.

This sparked speculation that Mercedes was considering accelerating Antonelli's move to a Formula 1 role with their client team, Williams, potentially as soon as the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.

However, Williams' team leader, James Vowles, refuted claims that Logan Sargeant would be substituted at Imola.

Recent Formula 1 trials involving Mercedes have further ignited rumors that Antonelli might receive a premature upgrade.

Wolff has made it clear that Mercedes did not seek any special exceptions for Antonelli from the authorities governing F1.

"Wolff stated in a conversation with SiriusXM that they haven't sought any exemptions. He believes Kimi should focus on his Formula 2 season and the test sessions he's involved in with their team, emphasizing that these are his top priorities."

"The testing went well, though it's still too early to make any definitive comparisons."

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