P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of being promoted to the Mercedes F1 squad for the 2025 season alongside George Russell.
Mercedes protégé Andrea Kimi Antonelli shared his thoughts on his initial F1 test this year, expressing his “shock” at the experience. The Italian had his first taste of driving an F1 car at the Red Bull Ring as part of a Mercedes test. Rumors of Antonelli joining the Brackley-based team for the 2025 season arose after Lewis Hamilton’s surprising departure to Ferrari. Antonelli, favorited to team up with George Russell at Mercedes, has undergone multiple F1 tests while completing his debut season in Formula 2. Reflecting on his debut at 17 years old, Antonelli described the thrill of the wet and snowy conditions during the test. Joining Mercedes in 2019, Antonelli transitioned to single-seater racing in 2021, following his Formula Regional European Championship victory. Adapting to the vast F1 team operations was initially overwhelming for Antonelli, as he adjusted to the extensive personnel working on the car and the need for detailed feedback and communication.
