P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has planned its first Formula 1 test for highly-rated Junior Driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli with the Italian slated to
According to Motorsport.com, the 17-year-old Italian will begin a two-day test at the Austrian GP venue on April 16th. F1’s Testing of Previous Car rules allow 2022 cars to be used, enabling teams to test reserve and junior talent for the first time. Antonelli will be driving the W13, Mercedes’ last GP-winning car, for experience in F1. He skipped Formula 3 after winning the FRECA Drivers’ title in 2023 and is currently ninth in the Formula 2 standings. There is speculation that Antonelli could potentially replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, but Wolff is also eyeing Verstappen and other options. Wolff has acknowledged Antonelli’s potential but stressed the importance of not rushing his progress.
