Andrea Kimi Antonelli, from Italy, who races for Prema Racing, recently took part in a Formula 1 test session at Silverstone. However, Mercedes denied that this outing was a “showdown” to determine their 2025 driver lineup. Antonelli, who is competing in his first season in Formula 2, has been participating in various tests with Mercedes cars in preparation for his future in the top category of motorsport. He had the opportunity to test the 2021 Mercedes car at the Red Bull Ring and also tried out the latest ground effect car, the W13, at Imola last month. Earlier this month, Antonelli continued his testing program at the British Grand Prix venue, alongside full-time driver George Russell and reserve driver Mick Schumacher. Reports in the Italian media suggested that 17-year-old Antonelli matched Russell’s lap times in low fuel conditions and outperformed him in longer runs. However, Mercedes clarified that the three drivers were conducting different testing programs and the goal was not to compare Antonelli to Russell. Mercedes will conduct their next Test Previous Car (TPC) test in Barcelona next week, with Mick and Kimi driving the W13 (2022 car). The team emphasized that the recent test at Silverstone was not a “showdown” and each driver had different programs on different days and in different track and weather conditions. They expressed satisfaction with Mick and Kimi’s performance and are looking forward to the upcoming testing sessions.
Antonelli is widely considered as the top choice to partner with Russell at the German team in 2025, unless team boss Toto Wolff manages to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull.
Russell, who consistently stated he is willing to compete against any chosen driver, gave his approval for Antonelli to secure the seat.
“He is an exceptional driver and undoubtedly has a future in Formula 1,” Russell commented in Imola.
“[Antonelli] presents a great opportunity for Mercedes as they look towards the future.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who will leave Mercedes at the end of this season to pursue a new venture with Ferrari, endorsed Antonelli as his potential successor.
“To be honest, I am not aware of Toto’s plans, but if it were up to me to choose a young driver… I would probably choose Kimi,” Hamilton stated.
Antonelli may have the chance to make his Formula 1 debut before the next season, if Williams’ request to waive the FIA’s minimum age requirement is successful.
However, the Prema representative in F2 will turn 18 on August 25 and would be eligible to replace Logan Sargeant, who is underperforming, at the Dutch Grand Prix.
© 2024
