Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to make his return to the Mercedes F1 seat for the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix.
This opportunity marks a significant moment in the promising young Italian driver’s burgeoning career, as he steps into Lewis Hamilton’s W15 for the first practice session (FP1) at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Following his debut at Monza, where an unfortunate high-speed crash curtailed his initial outing, this second chance offers Kimi Antonelli a vital opportunity to showcase his skills and further his development within one of the most prestigious teams in motorsport.
At just 18 years old, the young driver has already made waves in the racing world, having secured multiple victories in Formula 2 during his inaugural season. His rapid ascent through the ranks has caught the attention of Mercedes F1 who have confirmed him as Hamilton’s full-time replacement for the 2025 season.
This strategic decision reflects not only Antonelli’s talent but also the team’s commitment to nurturing young drivers who can carry the legacy of success forward.
“Kimi Antonelli will be in the Mercedes F1 seat for his second FP1 session and we look forward to him continuing his development on track,” commented team principal Toto Wolff.
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In preparation for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Antonelli expressed enthusiasm about returning to Mercedes F1 seat, emphasizing his readiness to contribute positively to the team’s performance.
“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.”
The Mexico City Grand Prix represents more than just a race; it is an opportunity for Antonelli to learn and adapt under competitive conditions. The circuit itself poses various challenges, including its elevation and complex corners that require precision and skill.
“With its high altitude, Mexico presents a unique challenge,” Wolff added. “The power unit has to work harder and, to counteract the thin air, we run at maximum downforce.
“It will provide another opportunity to evaluate our recent update package.”
The FP1 session will serve as a critical test not only for Antonelli but also for Mercedes F1 as they continue to refine their car’s performance ahead of race day. The team’s recent results have shown fluctuation in performance, making it essential for them to gather data and insights from practice sessions.
The Silver Arrows endured a challenging race weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where Hamilton crashed early on in the race while teammate George Russell was able to deliver a sixth-place finish despite starting his afternoon of racing from the pitlane.
“After a difficult weekend in Austin, we have the opportunity to bounce back immediately in Mexico,” he added. “Our performance in Texas showed that there is inherent performance in the car.
“Our challenge is extracting this consistently. That is not the result of one specific challenge, but the interaction of the car across both aero and mechanical factors.
“We have five more races to work on this before the end of the season. It is important that we do so, not only for our immediate performance but to also set ourselves up well for 2025.”
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