Photo: Mercedes-AMG F1
Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his second outing in a Formula 1 practice session at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old Formula 2 racer will drive for the Mercedes-AMG team, and it will be another key session for the Italian as he prepares for racing in F1 with the team in 2025.
He got his first running in an F1 car at the Red Bull Ring, driving in a snow-hot private test, then on home soil at Monza tried out Mercedes’ current car in free practice one for the Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli crashed out at high speed, suffering a 52G impact but returning to the cockpit later that day in F2.
“I’m looking forward to driving in FP1 and playing my part in helping the team make a good start on track this weekend,” said Antonelli. “It is a new circuit for me and one I have been working hard to prepare for. The altitude makes it unique and it’s a challenge I’m excited to experience. I want to thank for the team for giving me this opportunity to contribute.”
Antonelli will take over the car of Lewis Hamilton, the driver he is replacing in Mercedes’ line-up next season.
“We look forward to seeing Kimi continue his development on track in Mexico,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Sauber will be running Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship racer Robert Shwartzman in a practice session for the second time this year in Mexico, selecting him over its reserve driver Theo Pourchaire who is the reigning F2 champion.