Reports from Dutch and Italian media experts suggest that Kimi Antonelli is indeed slated for his Formula 1 race debut in 2025.
De Telegraaf reports that Toto Wolff has now ceased efforts to attract Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Mercedes as a replacement for the departing Lewis Hamilton.
"All speculation can be put on ice," journalist Erik van Haren stated, "as Mercedes knows that Max Verstappen is not an option for 2025."
Consequently, Wolff is poised to finalize a racing contract with his Italian protégé, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will qualify for a super license following his 18th birthday this Sunday - the day of the Dutch GP.
Italian media sources also report that less than a week later, Antonelli is scheduled to make his first appearance during an official Grand Prix weekend, taking over Hamilton's duties in the initial Friday practice session at Monza.
It's anticipated that Antonelli's contract for the 2025 season will be officially announced during the Italian GP, held in his home country.
Meanwhile, De Telegraaf suggests that Wolff has not completely ruled out Verstappen, citing a potential clause in the Dutchman's contract that may allow him to leave in 2026 if Red Bull's performance declines.
The introduction of F1's budget cap is affecting Red Bull's operations, as has the Christian Horner scandal, according to 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
"That's why it (the budget cap) was put in place," he explained to Prime Casino. "It is having an effect. The turmoil did not help and the fact that Verstappen is a single driver in the team instead of the team having two drivers does not help. He's carrying everything on his shoulders.
"The same thing kind of happened with Mercedes. It took them a while to realise that losing is possible, and it takes a while to reinvent yourself and put yourself in form to be able to push to the edge when you've spent years without having to push," Villeneuve concluded.
