P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli will move up to FIA Formula 2 – F1’s main feeder series – for 2024 after winning the Formula Regional European Championship.
The 17-year-old Italian, who recently began his racing career in single-seaters, has secured a spot with Prema in F2 for the upcoming year. Antonelli has gained recognition as one of the top young talents outside of Formula 1, boasting a remarkable record with five titles won in the last two years. His rapid progress has led to his direct promotion to F2, bypassing FIA Formula 3 altogether. It is expected that he will partner with Oliver Bearman, the impressive young British driver backed by Ferrari, in a promising driver pairing. Antonelli has been affiliated with the Mercedes junior team since 2019. This opportunity marks a significant leap for him, and he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead in F2 due to the high level of competition and the introduction of a new car for all drivers. Nonetheless, he is excited to learn and be prepared for the first race, aiming to enjoy himself and perform well. Antonelli expresses his delight at continuing his association with Prema, as they have been a crucial part of his development and feel like a second family to him. He will have the chance to test the 2023 Prema car during the post-season Abu Dhabi test later this month.
Source: Crash
