Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is poised to make his highly anticipated F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
The 17-year-old Italian sensation, who has been tearing up the junior categories, will replace Lewis Hamilton for the race weekend, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
As per Motorsport.com Italy, Mercedes is scheduled to give Antonelli his first-ever public F1 outing at the Italian Grand Prix on August 30 as part of the team’s mandated FP1 outings with a rookie driver. Additionally, the team is anticipated to finalize its plan to promote its junior driver into its 2025 driver lineup alongside George Russell.
The Prema Formula 2 driver is scheduled to take over Hamilton’s W15 F1 car for the session, where he will be engineered by Peter Bonnington who recently got to know the young driver during the Pirelli tire test that followed the Belgian Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s rapid rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating the Formula Regional European Championship in 2023, the Mercedes protégé made the leap directly to Formula 2 this season, skipping Formula 3 altogether.
Despite the steep learning curve, Antonelli has already proven his mettle, securing impressive points finishes and even winning the Sprint and Feature races at Silverstone and the Hungaroring respectively.
Mercedes’ decision to fast-track Antonelli’s F1 debut comes in the wake of Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. The Silver Arrows, eager to secure their long-term future, have been carefully nurturing the young driver’s talent through an extensive testing program, which has included outings in the 2021 and 2022 Mercedes cars.
However, the Italian’s Monza debut has been made possible by a recent change in the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
Previously, drivers had to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license to compete in F1 but with the clause requiring a driving license quietly deleted, the FIA now has the discretion to grant a Super License to drivers as young as 17 who have consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater competition.
Antonelli, who turns 18 on August 25th, already has sufficient Super License points from his junior series exploits and has been testing privately with Mercedes at various circuits, including Imola and Barcelona. His impressive performances, combined with the FIA’s rule change, have paved the way for his historic debut at Monza.
Meanwhile, in an interview during the summer break, Antonelli said he was not taking anything for granted at Mercedes but was also not afraid of being judged after becoming an F1 driver.
“Some degree of worry I think is always there, the prospect of not being able to perform I think frightens everyone,” Antonelli said. “My approach is to see it as a great opportunity to learn, grow and also enjoy the moment.
“I’m not afraid of being judged, I know Mercedes has a clear opinion about my potential, already this season in F2 the championship didn’t kick off in the best way but there were no negative thoughts.
“I am quite calm, if the opportunity presented itself to me I would take it with eagerness and try to make the most of it.
“Recently there has been some pressure on me with all the rumours about next year, but I have always tried to enjoy it. I’m enjoying the opportunities I have.”
