Kimi Antonelli Set for Special First F…. Session at Italian G…… Prix

Kimi Antonelli Set for Special First F…. Session at Italian G…… Prix

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s junior driver Kimi Antonelli is set to make his highly anticipated debut in a Formula One practice session at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. The 18-year-old Italian driver, currently competing in Formula 2, will take the wheel of the Mercedes W15 during the first free practice (FP1) session at the iconic Monza circuit on Friday. This marks a significant milestone in Antonelli’s young career as he continues to rise through the ranks of motorsport.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal, confirmed the news on Thursday, adding that the decision to give Antonelli his first taste of official Formula One track time in front of his home crowd was a deliberate one. The Bologna-born driver has already impressed the team with his performances in previous tests, but this will be his first opportunity to compete alongside the sport’s elite during a race weekend.

Antonelli, who has been a part of the Mercedes Junior Programme for several years, expressed his excitement ahead of his debut. “Taking part in my first FP1 is going to be really special,” Antonelli said. “I’m really excited to drive the W15 and share the track with so many amazing drivers. I can’t wait for it!”

The session will see Antonelli temporarily take over George Russell’s car for the hour-long practice. This opportunity is a reward for the young driver’s hard work and dedication throughout the year, during which he has undertaken numerous tests for the team as part of their Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) Programme. His performances in these sessions have earned him high praise from Mercedes’ engineering team, who have been closely monitoring his progress.

For Antonelli, who is regarded as one of Italy’s brightest young talents in motorsport, this moment represents the realization of a dream he has been chasing since he first started karting as a child. His rise through the junior categories has been meteoric, with the Italian securing titles in karting before making a successful transition to single-seaters. After winning the Formula 4 Italian Championship in 2022, Antonelli moved up to Formula 3 in 2023, where he immediately caught the attention of the motorsport community with his consistent performances and racecraft.

Now competing in Formula 2, Antonelli has continued to impress, securing multiple podium finishes and establishing himself as a genuine contender for the championship. His rapid progression has only heightened expectations surrounding his future in Formula One, with many in the paddock predicting that it is only a matter of time before he secures a full-time seat in the top tier of motorsport.

The FP1 session at Monza will be a crucial learning experience for Antonelli as he gets to grips with the complexities of driving a modern Formula One car on a high-speed circuit. The Monza track, known for its long straights and fast corners, will provide a stern test for the young driver, but it is also an environment where he has the potential to shine.

Toto Wolff emphasized the importance of giving young drivers like Antonelli opportunities to gain experience at the highest level. “Kimi has shown incredible potential in our testing programme, and we are excited to see how he performs in an official session,” Wolff said. “Monza is a special place for any driver, and for Kimi, it will be even more so, given that it’s his home race. We believe this experience will be invaluable as he continues his development.”

As anticipation builds for the Italian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Kimi Antonelli when he takes to the track on Friday. For the young driver, it will be an unforgettable moment as he inches closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a Formula One driver.

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Hugo Harvey

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