P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes won’t allow Kimi Antonelli to race at the Nurburgring. Here’s why…
Mercedes has decided to temporarily prevent Formula 1 championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli from participating at Nordschleife, despite his expressed desire to race at the legendary Nurburgring following Max Verstappen’s footsteps. Antonelli aims to secure the DMSB Nordschleife Permit by the year’s end but Mercedes is currently not permitting him to do so. Mercedes’ deputy team principal, Bradley Lord, mentioned that Antonelli’s wish to drive at the Nurburgring this year was considered more of a joke, suggesting he could try after winning four world championships. Meanwhile, Antonelli’s main focus remains on the F1 world championship, where he has made history by converting his first three pole positions into victories. Mercedes’ dominant start to the 2026 season has placed them at the top of the constructors’ championship, leading Ferrari by 70 points.
