Mercedes has scheduled its inaugural Formula 1 testing session for the up-and-coming junior driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in mid-April, according to Motorsport. The talented 17-year-old Italian is set to undertake a two-day test, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.
Scheduled for April 16, this endeavor not only highlights Antonelli’s rapid ascent in motorsports but also Mercedes’ confidence in his potential—an interesting thought with Lewis Hamilton leaving Brackley at the end of this season.
Under the auspices of F1’s Testing of Previous Car regulations, teams are now able to utilize 2022 cars for developing their reserve and junior talents. This move allows Antonelli to gain invaluable experience behind the wheel of the W13, Mercedes’ last Grand Prix-winning car, and acquaint himself with the latest generation of ground-effect machinery. Born in 2006 in Bologna, Italy, Antonelli has made rapid progress in his racing career.
Starting with karting, where he claimed multiple titles, he quickly moved into single-seater racing. In 2021, towards the end of the season, he participated in the Italian Formula 4 with Prema, achieving impressive results including podium finishes. This was a stepping stone to his full-time move to Formula 4 in 2022, where he dominated both the ADAC and Italian F4 Championships, securing the titles with a remarkable performance.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 22: Toto Wolff of Germany and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 22, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 22: Toto Wolff of Germany and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 22, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Qian Jun///MB Media/Getty Images
2023 saw Antonelli make another significant leap in his career as he moved up to the Formula Regional category, beginning with the Middle Eastern Championship, which he won. Following this success, he competed in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema, clinching the title with five victories. Building on these achievements, Antonelli was promoted to the 2024 Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing, making a direct jump from Formula Regional, bypassing Formula 3.
Mercedes will certainly want to utilize his talents as best as possible.
The young Italian’s trajectory through the ranks has sparked discussions about his potential to fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton, who is set to depart for the scarlet red of Ferrari next season. While speculation abounds regarding Hamilton’s replacement and George Russell’s future teammate at the Mercedes squad, the team has shown interest in several candidates, including reigning World Champion Max Verstappen and established drivers like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. However, Toto Wolff, the team principal, hasn’t forgotten about this young rising star.
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