P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has completed his maiden Formula 1 test with Mercedes in Austria as speculation persists that he is
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has identified 17-year-old Antonelli as a potential candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari next season. Antonelli has been a part of the Mercedes Junior Team since 2018 and has progressed from Formula Regional European Championship to Formula 2 this year. Wolff confirmed that Antonelli would have his first F1 experience at the Red Bull Ring, where he drove the championship-winning W12 from 2021. Despite facing challenges due to unexpected snow on the first day, Antonelli expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. Wolff disclosed Mercedes’ plan to evaluate Antonelli’s performance in upcoming tests to consider promoting him to F1 in the future.
