F1: Mercedes to test Kimi Antonelli in FP1 practice session

Formula 2 driver Kimi Antonelli will make his Formula 1 debut at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix. The young Italian driver will drive the Mercedes-AMG W15 in the first free practice session at Monza, replacing Lewis Hamilton, who will leave the team at the end of the season. Mercedes F1 faces a major challenge in finding a suitable successor for the seven-time world champion. After exploring options with top drivers such as Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, the team is likely to turn its attention to Antonelli, a rising star in its youth program. Antonelli has impressed in Formula 2 and recently in Formula 1 testing, and Mercedes has decided to give the 18-year-old talent a chance to showcase his talents in an F1 car in 2024. Beyond this initial opportunity, the Brackley-based team is seriously considering Antonelli as Hamilton’s long-term replacement, positioning him as a potential future star of the sport.

Also read: F1: Lewis Hamilton to hire new race engineer for Ferrari, Pete Bonington to stay at Mercedes

F1: Who will replace Hamilton at Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton’s expected move to Ferrari in 2025 has sparked intense speculation about who will take his place at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. The departure of the seven-time world champion marks the end of a glorious era for the Silver Arrows. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made clear his determination to find the best successor to Hamilton. While three-time world champion Max Verstappen has been a topic of discussion, the Dutchman remains committed to Red Bull Racing, where he has a contract extension for at least another season.

Also read: F1 Dutch Grand Prix: Robert Schwartzman to replace Valtteri Bottas in Sauber’s first free practice session

Amid this uncertainty, Italian rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli has emerged as a strong contender. The 17-year-old Formula 2 driver has caught Wolff’s eye with his rapid progress and is seen as a future star. With Verstappen likely to exit, Antonelli is now being seriously considered as a leading candidate to fill the huge void left by Hamilton.

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