While the preparatory categories stop waiting for the Italian round on the circuit Imola of next May 19th, it is time for some pilots to fulfill their commitments Academy programs. First of all the young driver from Bologna Andrea Kimi Antonelli, that he will drive the Mercedes W12 in Austria, on the Spielberg circuit.
Kimi's debut in Formula 2: how did the first 3 races go?
By Kimi there has been a lot of talk: from the announcement of the jump from European Regional Formula to F2, up to the hypotheses that would see it happen take Hamilton's place in Mercedes as early as 2025. All these discussions, which occurred even before Antonelli debuted in the preparatory category, have powered of the large expectations.
However, these expectations were held back by the start of the season undermined by technical problems for the Prema team single-seaters. In fact, on the opening weekend of the 2024 season, both drivers found themselves in difficulty, managing to win a single point thanks to the Italian's comeback from 18th position.
In Saudi Arabia the music seems to change, but the truth turning point for Antonelli . Australia. Number #4 qualifies second, thus placing himself on the front row for the Feature Race. Bitter the result of Sprint Race, finished for him in gravel on round 10. In 2 race Kimi put on a great show, keeping the spectators' eyes glued to the screen as he battled with Hauger for first place. The Prema driver, after some problems with the new set of tyres, he crossed the finish line in fourth place, just missing the podium.
Antonelli will drive the Mercedes W12 in Austria
In recent days, speculation has emerged that Kimi would drive the W13 at Imola. There is a kernel of truth: Antonelli will drive a Mercedes single-seater, the W12, not in Italy but rather in Austria.
Taking advantage of the break from the preparatory category championship, the Mercedes Junior Drivers will begin the testing program on April 16 at the Red Bull Ring. He will have two days available to try - for the first time - a top category single-seater. Antonelli will drive the Mercedes W12 in Austria, the same car as in 2021 saw Hamilton battle Verstappen for the title and allowed the Brackley team to win the constructors' championship.
A curious fact is that the 17-year-old will climb aboard a Formula 1 car for the first time on same circuit in which, in 2021, he made his debut with the Formula 4 single-seater. At the Red Bull Ring in fact he made his debut in Italian F4, a few days after turning 15 - the minimum age to be able to compete in that category.
