Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 test at Jerez comes with caution amid stunning mileage

Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes F1 test at Jerez comes with caution amid stunning mileage

Andrea Kimi Antonelli‘s Mercedes F1 test at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain officially marked the beginning of his journey in Formula 1 as a full-time driver.

The two-day test which took place on January 15 and 16, ahead of the 2025 F1 season is a pivotal moment for the 18-year-old Italian who has been touted as one of the brightest prospects in motorsport.

Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 test not only marked his transition from junior racing categories to the pinnacle of motorsport but also reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities following the departure of Lewis Hamilton.

The Jerez circuit, known for hosting numerous prestigious races in the past, provided an ideal backdrop for Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 test. During his initial outing, the young driver ran the W11, a car that has garnered a reputation as one of the fastest in Formula 1 history.

The W11 was instrumental in securing 13 wins and 15 pole positions during the tumultuous 2020 season, showcasing its dominance on the track.

However, for Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 test, the team opted for a camouflaged livery rather than the traditional black associated with their recent campaigns. This decision likely stems from sponsorship changes following Hamilton’s exit.

Despite being a rookie in Formula 1, Antonelli is not entirely new to high-performance racing. He has accumulated approximately 9,000 kilometers of testing across various Mercedes machinery over the past year.

His extensive experience translates to nearly 30 race distances and indicates that he has had ample opportunity to familiarize himself with the demands of F1 cars. Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 tests previously included runs in both the W12 and W13 models while balancing his commitments in Formula 2.

The decision to allow Antonelli to drive an older model like the W11 during this test was strategic. Under new FIA regulations introduced for 2025 F1, teams are limited to just 1,000 kilometers of testing with current cars from 2021 onward.

This restriction necessitated the use of older machinery to maximize testing opportunities without exhausting their allocated mileage too early in the season.

READ ALSO: Kimi Antonelli not bowing to pressure of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed cautious optimism regarding Kimi Antonelli’s potential. He highlighted that while there is considerable hype surrounding the young driver, it is crucial for him to earn the label of “prodigy” through consistent performance on track.

“He has completed around 9,000 kilometres in Formula 1 cars,” Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport. “If you expect him to be on pole position in Melbourne, win the race and immediately compete for the championship, then the risk is high because that won’t happen.

“If we take the approach that the boy is 18 years old, very talented, but of course has to grow into it first and will make mistakes, then the risk is limited. That’s why we’re doing it. We see 2025 F1 as a transition year and want to prepare him for 2026.

“He will only be a child prodigy when he actually performs in Formula 1. We hope it will happen sooner rather than later, but certainly not right at the beginning.”

READ ALSO: Wolff admits miscalculation over Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes debut after Monza FP1 crash

Mercedes is one of five teams fielding a rookie driver for the 2025 F1 season, others include Oliver Bearman at Haas, Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, Jack Doohan with Alpine and Gabriel Bortoleto who joined Sauber.

As Kimi Antonelli prepares for his debut F1 season alongside George Russell, expectations are high. The young driver has already made headlines for his remarkable talent in junior categories, and many within the motorsport community view him as a potential future world champion.

However, it is essential to temper these expectations with realism; transitioning to Formula 1 is a monumental leap that requires time and adaptation.

Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 test comes at a critical juncture for the Brackley-based outfit which is keen on building a new foundation following Hamilton’s departure.

The team’s performance over recent seasons has been inconsistent compared to their dominant years earlier in the decade. For 2025 F1, the team will be looking to regain their competitive edge after finishing fourth in the constructors championship last season.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.