Valtteri Bottas will take on a mentoring role for rookie Kimi Antonelli in 2025, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
After losing his seat at Audi-owned Sauber, the Finnish driver was quickly recruited by Wolff to become Mercedes' primary reserve driver for the new season.
His appointment saw Mick Schumacher pushed out of contention for the role while also leapfrogging another existing Mercedes reserve, 23-year-old Frederik Vesti.
The Danish driver has also openly expressed frustration over Antonelli, just 18 years old, securing a full-time F1 seat as Lewis Hamilton's replacement.
"There are five rookies in Formula 1 this season," Vesti told Danish broadcaster DR, "and I've beaten four of them in F2.
"It's incredibly frustrating to sit on the outside and look in on people I don't feel deserve it as much," he added. "But it gives me motivation, because it's also proof that I really can do it."
Wolff, however, sees Bottas' experience as a valuable asset for Mercedes, particularly in guiding Antonelli through his debut season.
"Part of Valtteri's job will be to look after Kimi," he said.
"To be there, to coach him, to constantly keep an eye on what is happening on the track."
Despite Antonelli's young age, Wolff is convinced that the Italian is the right choice to replace Hamilton at Mercedes and insists he will have the time and support to develop.
"I couldn't repeat the mistake I made with (Max) Verstappen, who ended up at Red Bull," the Austrian told La Repubblica newspaper.
"Preparations with Kimi are going well, but they started many, many years ago. I will keep him under my umbrella as long as it is necessary. And Kimi will learn from Valtteri but also George Russell.
"George is not mentioned enough," Wolff added. "We have an experienced driver who has won races and then we have this new up-and-coming talent. At the same time, Lewis is going his own way, looking for something new. I think it was refreshing for both sides.
"When I discussed Kimi with the CEO, he said to me, 'This is so exciting – let's start working with the next generation'."
