Mercedes Unfazed by Hamilton Exit as Antonelli Steps Up
Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari sent shockwaves through Formula 1 before the 2024 season even began. After six world championships and years of dominance together, one of F1’s most successful partnerships was coming to an end.
But Mercedes doesn’t seem worried at all.
Instead of chasing after Max Verstappen as many expected, the team promoted George Russell to lead driver and took a bold gamble on teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli.
The move has paid off handsomely. Mercedes jumped from third to second in the constructors’ standings in 2025, though McLaren (ironically powered by Mercedes engines) remained out of reach, wrapping up the title with six races to go.
Many wondered if losing Hamilton’s technical feedback would hurt development. After all, Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies once described Verstappen as the most important “sensor” in his car.
Not so at Mercedes, according to Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin.
“To be honest, with George, it’s fine,” Shovlin told GPblog. “The bigger point is we don’t really develop a car predominantly on what the driver is telling us.”
He explained that most development comes from simulations and data, not driver requests.
“You’re searching for downforce, certain balance characteristics that deliver lap time, trying to reduce drag… The vast majority of it isn’t the driver saying ‘I need this’ and us rushing off to find it.”
Having Russell’s consistency has been crucial. He’s driven these cars throughout the current regulation era, providing valuable continuity.
And Antonelli? He’s exceeded expectations.
“Kimi’s great at telling you what the car’s doing,” Shovlin said. “There was no bit there that needed work on.”
The team had been eyeing Antonelli as their future star for some time. When Hamilton decided to “try a new challenge at Ferrari,” Mercedes was ready to commit to what they knew would be a learning year with their young driver.
“We were fully committed to that, and on balance, I think it’s gone well,” Shovlin added.
## Mercedes Looking Ahead to 2026
Now the team’s sights are firmly set on 2026, when F1 introduces sweeping new regulations for cars, engines, and fuel.
Many paddock insiders already consider Mercedes a top contender for the next era. The German manufacturer has historically thrived during major rule changes – and they’re confident they can do it again, even without Hamilton behind the wheel.
It seems the future at Mercedes is still plenty bright.
