P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has labelled Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s FP1 outing at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix as “astonishing” prior to enduring a 45G crash. Antonelli was embarking on his debut F1 weekend showing in first practice at Monza with much anticipation amid his expectant step-up to a permanent drive in 2025. However, […]
Antonelli had a challenging debut F1 weekend at Monza, crashing during practice but impressing Mercedes team principal Wolff with his quick adaptation to the track. Wolff emphasized the importance of Antonelli’s safety, the swift repair of the car for main driver George Russell, and the understanding that mistakes are part of the young driver’s learning process. Despite the crash, Mercedes is committed to investing in Antonelli’s future and sees potential for many highlights in his career. The scorching track temperatures at Monza likely contributed to Antonelli losing control of the car, but he remains a top contender for the 2025 Mercedes drive. Wolff stated that the incident will not impact Antonelli’s future opportunities with the team, emphasizing the importance of focusing on his abilities. Antonelli is expected to continue testing with Mercedes in October in Mexico, as he navigates the challenges of balancing F2 commitments with his rising F1 career.