P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes is yet to confirm its replacement for the departing Lewis Hamilton, but high up on the list of potential drivers is F2 rookie and Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Now, the team looks set to hand its protégé a first taste of F1 machinery.
Mercedes is set to conduct a private test for young Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Imola on April 30, marking his first experience driving a Formula 1 car. Antonelli, a PREMA F2 driver, is gearing up for his participation in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May as part of F1’s top support series. Despite having the necessary super license, the 17-year-old will initially pilot older F1 machinery due to his age restrictions. Anticipating Antonelli’s promising future, Mercedes has arranged for him to take part in a two-day test at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on April 16.
Considered one of the most promising talents since Max Verstappen, Antonelli’s rapid progression led to skipping FIA F3 entirely and directly moving to F2. As he ascends the ranks, speculations arise regarding potential future team placements, including a possible partnership with George Russell at Mercedes. Private testing and his rookie F2 campaign will help Mercedes determine Antonelli’s competitiveness at present. With the promising youngster currently placed ninth in the F2 standings, his impressive performances against more experienced contenders indicate a bright future in F1 on the horizon. Impressive F1 prizes await for subscribers on their YouTube channel.
