P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has taken a chance on its teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli for the 2025 F1 season after Lewis Hamilton’s departure, partnering George Russell.
Videos have surfaced on social media showing Kimi Antonelli completing his first Formula 1 test as a full-time Mercedes driver at Circuito de Jerez in Spain. Mercedes used their 2020 car, the W11, with a camo livery for the private test, providing Antonelli with valuable experience despite being a rookie. Antonelli has already accumulated 9,000 km in various F1 tests, a distance equivalent to 29.5 races. This move comes after Lewis Hamilton’s departure, making Antonelli the first rookie driver for Mercedes since their return to F1 in 2010, showcasing the team’s trust in his abilities. Although Antonelli has been praised as a potential future world champion, he had a crash at Parabolica during his free practice debut at the Italian Grand Prix last year, only 10 minutes into the session. Additionally, Mercedes gave Antonelli another free practice opportunity in Mexico City and participated in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
