P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes protege Antonelli set for maiden F1 test
Mercedes will conduct a two-day test in Austria from 16 April for their promising junior driver, as he gears up to drive the 2021 Mercedes W12. This test marks the beginning of his F1 outings this year, in addition to his Formula 2 commitments with Prema, positioning him for a potential F1 promotion. The 17-year-old Antonelli’s performance will influence Mercedes’ decision for the 2025 season, where Lewis Hamilton’s seat is up for grabs, possibly leading to an F1 debut or a second season in F2. Despite a challenging weekend in Bahrain, Antonelli climbed to ninth in the standings after a strong showing in Melbourne, gaining momentum for the upcoming Imola round in May. Team principal Toto Wolff is deliberate in his approach to the 2025 seat, considering options ranging from young talents to seasoned drivers, with a keen eye on Max Verstappen’s movements. Given the current testing regulations allowing for 2022-spec machinery, Antonelli may also get a chance to test Mercedes’ 2022 W13 in the future, aligning with his F1 aspirations.
