Toto Wolff confirms Lewis Hamilton replaced at Mexican Grand Prix after Mercedes ‘p….

Toto Wolff confirms Lewis Hamilton replaced at Mexican Grand Prix after Mercedes ‘p….read more

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has announced that their promising young driver, Kimi Antonelli, will replace Lewis Hamilton for the first practice session (FP1) at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix. This news was shared by team principal Toto Wolff, who highlighted the unique challenges presented by the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, particularly its high altitude. According to Wolff, the thin air in Mexico poses a distinct challenge, requiring the power units to work harder and demanding maximum downforce to counteract the lack of atmospheric pressure.

Wolff emphasized that Antonelli’s participation in FP1 is a dual-purpose opportunity. It not only serves as a crucial step in the young driver’s career development but also provides Mercedes with valuable data to assess the car’s recent performance updates. This will be Antonelli’s second time in FP1, following his debut earlier in the season. It’s a chance for him to make an impression, especially after his debut in Monza, which had a promising start but ended prematurely when he crashed George Russell’s car early in the session.

The decision to put Antonelli in the car comes on the heels of a challenging race weekend for Mercedes at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. While the team demonstrated flashes of competitive speed, translating that performance into solid results proved difficult. Wolff acknowledged these struggles, noting that the team has an immediate opportunity to bounce back in Mexico. “After a tough weekend in Austin, we have the chance to recover immediately,” Wolff stated. He highlighted that while the car’s performance in Texas showed potential, consistency remains an issue. This, he explained, is not due to a single flaw but rather the complex interplay between the car’s aerodynamic and mechanical systems.

As Mercedes aims to iron out these challenges, the final five races of the 2024 season are critical. The team is not only focused on finishing the season strong but also laying the groundwork for a more competitive 2025 campaign. The upcoming practice sessions are part of this long-term strategy, allowing them to fine-tune both their car and race strategy.

For Antonelli, the upcoming FP1 in Mexico presents a valuable opportunity to showcase his abilities on one of the most challenging tracks in the F1 calendar. Despite the setback in Monza, Wolff remains confident in the young Italian’s potential. “We believe in Kimi’s talent and his ability to learn from every experience,” said Wolff. Antonelli will be driving the W15, Mercedes’ current car, and the team hopes he will provide valuable insights into its behavior at high altitudes.

Lewis Hamilton will be back behind the wheel after the practice session, taking over for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Mercedes sees this test as not only a chance to continue refining their car but also as a moment to support the next generation of talent within the team. Wolff is eager to see what insights Antonelli can bring as they look to rebound from a challenging U.S. Grand Prix and finish the season on a high note.