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Kimi Antonelli to participate in practice session for Mercedes at Monza

Kimi Antonelli to participate in practice session for Mercedes at Monza

August 25, 2024

Kimi Antonelli will make his Formula One weekend debut at the Monza Grand Prix.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed Sunday during the Dutch Grand Prix — and on Antonelli’s 18th birthday no less — that the Italian junior star will be behind the wheel for Friday’s first practice session at his home event.

Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior program since 2019.

He captured titles in the Italian F4 Championship, ADAC F4 Championship, Formula Regional Middle East Championship and Formula Regional European Championship during his rapid rise over the past two years.

Antonelli currently drives for Prema Racing in Formula 2 and is seventh in the standings with a pair of wins. He also held private test sessions for Mercedes earlier this year.

F1 teams are required to have a driver who has not competed in more than two races to participate in a practice session during the season.

The free practice session could pave the way for Antonelli to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will leave Mercedes after the season to join rival Ferrari.

George Russell remains under contract through next year.

Kimi Antonelli, the talented young driver from Italy, is set to make his debut with the Mercedes Formula 1 team during a practice session at the iconic Monza circuit. The 19-year-old has been making waves in the motorsport world with his impressive performances in junior categories, and now he will have the chance to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in racing.

Antonelli’s opportunity to drive for Mercedes comes as a result of his strong relationship with the team’s junior program. He has been a part of the Mercedes development program for several years now, and his hard work and dedication have finally paid off with this exciting opportunity.

The practice session at Monza will give Antonelli a chance to familiarize himself with the Mercedes F1 car and work closely with the team’s engineers and mechanics. It will also be a valuable learning experience for the young driver, as he will be able to gain valuable insights into the workings of a top-tier Formula 1 team.

For Mercedes, having Antonelli participate in the practice session is a testament to their commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for up-and-coming drivers to showcase their skills. The team has a long history of developing young drivers and helping them reach their full potential, and Antonelli’s participation in the practice session is just the latest example of this commitment.

Fans of Formula 1 will no doubt be eager to see how Antonelli performs during his practice session at Monza. With his natural talent and determination, he could very well be a future star in the sport. Keep an eye out for Kimi Antonelli as he takes to the track with Mercedes at Monza – it could be the start of something special.