F2 Driver Andrea Antonelli's F1 Test Debut on the Horizon
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes junior driver, is set to participate in his first Formula 1 test at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
The test is set to take place over two days, beginning Apr. 16 where he will drive the 2021 Mercedes W12 in Austria. Mercedes has also arranged another test set to take place Apr. 30 at Imola.
Image from: https://www.fiaformula2.com/Drivers/1240/Andrea-Kimi-Antonelli
The 17-year old driver is currently competing in the 2024 Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing and joined the Mercedes junior program in April 2019. Antonelli has progressed quickly through racing tiers, impressing in junior karting categories, and having bypassed FIA F3 and gone from F4 directly to F2.
Image from: https://www.autosport.com/formula-regional-european-championship/news/the-italian-youngster-hoping-to-become-mercedes-next-f1-superstar/10459086/
Antonelli, who is currently ninth in F2 driver standings with 24 points, has already been linked to F1 seats for 2025. Possible options include driving alongside Mercedes driver George Russell given Lewis Hamilton’s departure and the team’s investment in Antonelli’s racing career through the junior program.