P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kimi Antonelli first took part in an F1 grand prix weekend at his home Italian Grand Prix, a few days after his 18th birthday.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed regret over the decision to let Kimi Antonelli participate in an official F1 weekend at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, calling it “not our most intelligent call”. Despite an impressive private testing regime under TPC rules, Antonelli substituted for George Russell in the rookie slot during FP1 at Monza in 2024, setting the fastest lap but also enduring a severe crash at the Parabolica section, greatly damaging the car. Nonetheless, Antonelli was later confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement and had a solid start to his grand prix career in 2025, finishing fourth in Australia, setting the fastest lap in Japan, claiming Sprint pole in Miami, and achieving his first podium with third place in Canada. Wolff explained that the decision to include Antonelli in the practice session at Monza was a misjudgment, emphasizing the importance of a positive development trajectory for the young driver. He highlighted the team’s method of providing Antonelli with space to explore, develop, and find a balance between caution and pushing limits in the car, believing in his potential to become a future champion.
