{"id":294094,"date":"2023-10-23T10:25:23","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T10:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=294094"},"modified":"2023-10-23T10:25:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T10:25:23","slug":"teenage-star-dubbed-as-lewis-hamiltons-successor-confirms-race-seat-for-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/racing\/f1\/teenage-star-dubbed-as-lewis-hamiltons-successor-confirms-race-seat-for-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Teenage star dubbed as Lewis Hamilton\u2019s successor confirms race seat for 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Mercedes\u2019 teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli has been confirmed as a PREMA Racing driver for the 2024 season with the team\u2019s long-term Lewis Hamilton replacement making the giant step from Formula Regional to Formula 2.<\/p>\n

Despite being just 17 years of age, Antonelli is something of a household name for fans of the F1 feeder series, clinching five separate titles in his first two years in single-seater racing. The latest of these titles was the Formula Regional championship, which he wrapped up at the previous round.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This announcement confirms the continuation of Antonelli\u2019s partnership with PREMA Racing, with whom the teenager has raced since making his debut in cars at the Italian F4 Championship back in 2021. The 17-year-old is expected to be partnered by the crown jewel of Ferrari\u2019s driver academy, Oliver Bearman.<\/p>\n

Speaking about the move, Antonelli explained: “I’m very happy for this opportunity. From Formula Regional to Formula 2, it will be a huge jump. I’m aware that it will be very challenging because the level is really high there. It will be a new car, for me and the others as well but it’s still going to be tough.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cI don’t want to set expectations, I will try to learn as much as possible in testing to be ready for the first race, have fun as always, and do a good job. I’m delighted to continue with PREMA as I started my single-seater career with them and they are my second family and I love working with them.”<\/p>\n

With Hamilton and team-mate George Russell both having signed two-year contract extensions in the summer it is clear that Antonelli is set to embark on a dual-year project with PREMA in F2 with the target being a title charge and eventual graduation to the F1 grid in 2026.<\/p>\n

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