Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has indicated that the team’s replacement for Lewis Hamilton might be an “Italian” driver. Mercedes are losing seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season and will replace Carlos Sainz. The team was rumored to be considering Sainz as Hamilton's replacement; however, it’s believed Wolff is looking for a younger driver. Italian driver Kimi Andrea Antonelli, doesn’t turn 18 until August but has impressed in Formula 2 and won the Italian Formula 4. Antonelli has also tested for Mercedes at Austria and Imola and will most likely participate in further testing later this year. "But I guess for the Italians it’s super exciting to have Lewis Hamilton in red next year. We will get used to the outfits. But we have got to look at ourselves and you know, maybe there is an option that we shine more with an Italian in our car," said Toto Wolff. Mercedes, who are eight-time constructors’ title winners, have struggled this season and are currently sitting fourth in the standings.