Driver for Prema in Formula 2 and spearhead of the Mercedes academy, Kimi Antonelli is one of the hottest names in the Italian motoring scene and beyond. The jump from Formula Regional to Formula 2 between 2023 and 2024 didn't burn him out and now he's even in contention to fill the seat left empty by Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes. Tuesday and Wednesday, the driver from Bologna he climbed aboard a Formula 1 car for the first time, driving the Mercedes W12 from 2021 to Red Bull Ring in Austria.
If the first day was compromised by heavy rain and snow, the second one went much better. The 2006 class was in fact able to drive on a dry track and experience more of the sensations of being behind the wheel of a Formula 1.
After his first two days of testing, Antonelli expressed himself as follows: “The first test behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car is an incredible experience. I enjoyed every second. On the first day it was not possible to respect the plans, the arrival of the snow made the track impassable, but fortunately the second day was much more favourable. The track became dry again and I was able to complete a good number of laps. I can say that it was very, very fun".
This test session has come to an end, but for Antonelli it is only the beginning. Mercedes has other tests are scheduled over the course of the season. The date is still to be defined, but the next event should be the circuit Imola.
SOURCE STATEMENTS: Motorsport.com Italy
