WATCH: Wolff praises young talent Antonelli as the 'long-term future' of Mercedes

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has opened up on the reasons behind the team electing to sign youngster Kimi Antonelli from 2025 onwards, promoting him from F2 to drive alongside George Russell.

After finding success in F4, FRECA and F2, the 18-year-old will progress to F1 next season, stepping in for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton when he switches over to Ferrari.

ANALYSIS: Why Mercedes chose to take a risk and sign 18-year-old Antonelli for 2025

Team Principal Wolff revealed the process behind signing Antonelli, admitting that Mercedes considered more experienced drivers such as Carlos Sainz before committing to the Italian, who was given the chance to drive in FP1 in Monza.

He committed to protecting and allowing Antonelli "to grow" in the "crazy, tough, ruthless environment" of the sport, and insisted that he will eventually become "the real deal".

The Austrian praised the teenager, stating: "There is no doubt he has the talent, the ability, the skills."

The Mercedes junior has been part of the team since 2019, meaning that their 2025 driver duo will have both graduated from their academy programme after Russell joined forces with them in 2017.

Click go on the video player above to watch the interview with Wolff.