F1 LIVE: Mercedes announce new superstar as clarity on Verstappen future emerges

Mercedes and Red Bull are front and centre this week as new driver announcements have been made (Image: GETTY) The wait for the Italian Grand Prix is almost over, with the scene set at Monza for another showdown of titanic proportions. And it is Mercedes who are already setting the frantic pace in terms of F1 gossip this week, as Toto Wolff and Co. finally clear up on the ongoing situation regarding the successor to Lewis Hamilton .

Endless speculation has seen Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen endlessly linked, but now a measure of clarity has emerged on the situation. Related articles Lewis Hamilton’s replacement confirmed by Mercedes as Max Verstappen saga ends Toto Wolff lifts lid on Kimi Antonelli chat after nightmare Italian GP crash Verstappen will take to the grid in Italy hoping to get one over on his newfound rival Lando Norris , who is driving out of his skin this season and conjuring an unexpected title challenge which could yet produce a fairytale ending. function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.



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addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript()ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)}) Meanwhile, back in the Mercedes garage, Wolff has sat down with Kimi Antonelli for a frank chat, following his recent horror crash which could have had catastrophic consequences. Stay with Express Sport for all the latest updates from the world of F1, as they happen LIVE! SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.

This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy 12 mins ago 08:48 Danny Gallagher Norris denies mocking Verstappen Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are now looking like the best of enemies.

The rivalry has been cranking up, week by week. Now, Norris has publicly denied trying to mock his counter part by ripping him off. Asked ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix about the radio message - in which he copied Verstappen's usual 'simply lovely' phrase, McLaren 's Norris insisted there was no ill will intended.

"Well, I mean he's won a lot of races and he's said a lot of things," Norris told Sky Sports . "I'm not prepared for it, I don't prepare myself for it, so it just felt like the easiest go to. "It doesn't mean anything to me from that side.

I'm not trying to make a statement. I just want to go and win, and go home. "I don't care about trying to make statements and trying to do all of this.

It just popped into my head and I thought I'd say it." 26 mins ago 08:34 Danny Gallagher Verstappen decision now easier Max Verstappen has never outright ruled out a move to the Mercedes garage, meaning speculation has hit the roof in recent months following Hamilton's Ferrari switch. Now, with Antonelli signed and sealed, Verstappen has clarity with which to assess his Red Bull future and determine what direction he feels his future should go in.

It is understood the F1 superstar will soon hold talks with Christian Horner and the Red Bull hierarchy. Max Verstappen will be impacted by the big news from Mercedes (Image: GETTY) 27 mins ago 08:33 Danny Gallagher Mercedes anoint Hamilton successor Mercedes have confirmed the signing of Kimi Antonelli on a multi-year deal. The 18-year-old will replace Ferrari -bound Lewis Hamilton from 2025 onwards after Toto Wolff missed out on the capture of Max Verstappen .

Antonelli's rise to F1 has been nothing short of astounding. The Italian starlet jumped from Formula Regional cars into Formula Two over the winter and after recording two impressive victories, has been promoted onto the grid for 2025 and beyond. He will be partnered by George Russell , who will be tasked with showing the 18-year-old the ropes at Brackley while stepping up to replace Hamilton in the team leader role.

"I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025," Russell told the team's official website. "His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1.

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