P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has confirmed how George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will split running for F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will be testing the W16 at the Bahrain International Circuit for F1 pre-season testing. This marks the team’s first campaign without Lewis Hamilton since 2012. Hamilton has moved to Ferrari in pursuit of his eighth F1 drivers’ championship. Rookie Kimi Antonelli has taken Hamilton’s place, making pre-season testing crucial for the young Italian driver. The testing days will be split between Antonelli and Russell, with Antonelli starting on Wednesday, followed by Russell taking over in the afternoon. Russell will continue the next morning, with Antonelli then getting two consecutive sessions. The three-day test will conclude with Russell taking the car out for the Friday afternoon session. Mercedes is set to officially unveil the W16 at the Bahrain International Circuit today, followed by a filming day tomorrow, coinciding with Red Bull’s activities.
