F1 News: Mercedes Junior Set For Formula One Test Drives In Austria And Imola

Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will take part in two Formula 1 tests.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes / Mercedes Press Image

Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been granted a pivotal opportunity to test drive Formula 1 cars in Austria and Imola. This comes after Antonelli has been mentioned as a potential to take Lewis Hamilton's seat with the Brackley-based squad in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes has arranged for Andrea Kimi Antonelli's first Formula 1 test at Imola on the 30th of April, offering the young talent a taste of F1 machinery.
• Additional testing sessions for Antonelli are slated at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, commencing on the 16th of April for a duration of two days, according to Motorsport.com.
• Antonelli's rapid ascent in motorsport is evident, although he is yet to meet the age requirement for an F1 race licence, highlighting his exceptional potential early in his career.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes / Mercedes Press Image

Antonelli's swift progression through the racing tiers, bypassing the FIA F3 to leap into F2, signifies Mercedes' confidence in his capabilities. The motorsport community regards him as one of the most promising talents since Verstappen, suggesting a bright trajectory ahead. With Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 and the consequent vacancy at Mercedes, Antonelli's accelerated tests could be Mercedes' move to fortify its driver lineup.

The upcoming tests in Imola and Austria will be a critical evaluation of Antonelli's adaptability and performance in F1 settings. Despite facing challenges in the current F2 season with PREMA, Antonelli has demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly noted in his commendable performances in Saudi Arabia and Australia, overcoming adversities to secure notable finishes.

Antonelli's test drives represent a crucial step in his journey towards F1 and indicate Mercedes' vision for their future driving force. With the backing of Mercedes and the PREMA team, Antonelli is on a trajectory that could see him becoming a key figure in Formula 1's future. Adding to this is the empty seat at Mercedes in 2025 left by Lewis Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari. Antonelli has been mentioned as a potential to race alongside George Russell.