Mercedes W17 Shakes Up Barcelona: Antonelli Raves About Thrilling Shakedown!
In an electrifying display of engineering prowess, young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has taken the Mercedes W17 for a spin at the Barcelona circuit, racking up a staggering 90 laps on the final day of a three-day shakedown. This remarkable feat adds to the impressive tally of 332 laps completed by the team during the testing period, a clear testament to Mercedes’ commitment to reliability and performance.
On the morning of the last day, Antonelli clocked an impressive lap time of 1:17.0, marking the fastest time of the session—until his teammate George Russell surged ahead in the afternoon. This friendly rivalry is a promising sign for Mercedes fans eager to see how the W17 stacks up against the competition as the new season approaches.
Reflecting on the shakedown, Antonelli couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, stating, “I think it was an excellent shakedown. We completed many laps today—90 in total—so that’s fantastic mileage for the team. I’m thrilled because I’ve learned a lot about the car, and I can’t wait to drive it in Bahrain.” His excitement is palpable, and it hints at the potential that this car holds for the upcoming races.
When questioned about the day’s program and whether he engaged in qualifying simulations, Antonelli revealed, “We maintained a very similar approach to yesterday because the focus was on long runs. We tested different modes just to better understand the usage and behavior of the battery. Today, we concentrated more on the soft tires, even during long runs, to see how the car and the engine reacted to cornering speeds. It was very interesting.”
With each passing day, Mercedes is not just gathering data; they are building momentum. The team’s rigorous approach to testing, highlighted by Antonelli’s insights, signals a strong intention to dominate the upcoming season. As the countdown to Bahrain begins, the motorsport world eagerly awaits to see if this shakedown will translate into championship glory for Mercedes.
Stay tuned, because the W17 is ready to make waves, and Antonelli’s journey is just beginning!








