Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has made headlines once again as he will miss the first practice session of the weekend in Mexico. This absence comes as his 2025 Mercedes replacement, Kimi Antonelli, takes his place on the track. Hamilton's decision to leave Mercedes at the end of the season has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike, especially since he is set to join Ferrari next year.
The unexpected twist comes as Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian star, is given another opportunity to prove himself in the Mercedes cockpit. Having faced challenges during his F1 race weekend debut last month, where he crashed out at Monza, this weekend will be crucial for his career. F1 regulations mandate that rookie drivers must have two practice opportunities throughout the season, and this weekend's session will be vital for Antonelli's development.
Hamilton's recent performance at the US Grand Prix was far from stellar, as he qualified as the second slowest and crashed out on the second lap. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has defended Hamilton, stating that the incident was not a result of driver error but rather a car issue. Hamilton currently sits sixth in the championship standings with five races remaining, and he has two wins at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lewis Hamilton |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1985 |
| Nationality | British |
| Championship Titles | 7 |
| Current Team | Mercedes |
| Future Team | Ferrari (2025) |
| Career Wins | 100+ |
Key Takeaways
What You Will Learn
- Lewis Hamilton is set to miss the first practice session in Mexico.
- Kimi Antonelli, a young Italian driver, will replace him.
- Hamilton will be joining Ferrari in 2025, leaving Mercedes.
- F1 rules require teams to give rookie drivers practice opportunities.
The upcoming practice sessions in Mexico will not only showcase Kimi Antonelli's potential but also highlight the shifting dynamics within the Mercedes team as they prepare for a new era with Hamilton's departure. As the F1 season progresses, fans will be eagerly watching how Antonelli performs and how Hamilton adjusts to his new role with Ferrari in the upcoming season.
