Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes walks in the Paddock prior
Mercedes junior, and next year’s full-time replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli will get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as he takes part in his second FP1 session of the season in Mexico.
The 18-year-old Italian will take over Hamilton’s W15 in Mexico City, having also driven on Friday at Monza in September.
However, the teenager’s session in Italy came to an early end as a high-speed crash saw him put his borrowed car into the Monza wall just minutes into his debut.
That crash had no bearing on Mercedes’ decision to promote the youngster, with Antonelli confirmed as Hamilton’s replacement at the Silver Arrows the very next day, and the youngster will get another opportunity to show what he is capable of around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend.
Mercedes’ Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli leaves his car after crashing during first practice
Antonelli’s previous FP1 outing in Monza came to an early end after he crashed into the barriers
“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 on his Mexico outing.
“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 the team for giving me this opportunity to contribute.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added: “We look forward to seeing Kimi continue his development on track in Mexico.”
FIA regulations state all F1 drivers must sit out one FP1 each season for a rookie who has no more than two Grand Prix starts. Last week the FIA announced that this requirement will increase from once a season, to two times per season from 2025.
