Mercedes has announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will take Lewis Hamilton’s seat for the first free practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix.
This is part of the required practice sessions for rookie drivers. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari during the winter break, and Antonelli will succeed him in 2025.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that Antonelli will drive during FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, noting the unique challenges posed by Mexico’s high altitude.
He explained that the power unit must work harder due to the thinner air, requiring maximum downforce. This session will also help evaluate the team’s recent updates.
Wolff expressed optimism about bouncing back from a disappointing weekend in Austin, emphasizing that while the car has inherent performance, the challenge lies in consistently harnessing it.
He highlighted the importance of the upcoming races for improving their performance and preparing for the next season.
Antonelli previously participated in the FP1 session at Imola but had a brief stint after crashing George Russell’s car early on.
In Mexico City, he will have another opportunity in the W15, while Hamilton will return for the rest of the weekend.
