Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to be handed his very first FP1 outing with Mercedes at the Italian Grand Prix to increase preparations for his possible promo to its Formula 1 line-up from 2025.
The Italian, who turns 18 on Sunday, is highly tipped to be called as replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2025, and has actually performed a series of personal tests in W13 and W14 F1 automobiles this year.
According to Motorsport.com Italy, Mercedes is set to provide Antonelli his very first public F1 trip at Monza on 30 August in among its obligatory FP1 getaways for a novice motorist, where the group is likewise anticipated to settle its plan to promote its junior motorist into its 2025 chauffeur line-up together with George Russell.
Prema Formula 2 chauffeur Antonelli is anticipated to take control of Hamilton's W15 F1 cars and truck for the session in order to be crafted by Peter Bonnington, who just recently ended up being familiarized with the child throughout the Pirelli tire test right away after the Belgian GP.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15
Image by: Andy Hone/ Motorsport Images
Bonnington has actually just recently been promoted to Mercedes head of race engineering, a function he will dovetail with race engineering tasks, and keeps him at the group in 2025.
A number of members of the Mercedes engineering group, consisting of Bonnington, stayed at Spa-Francorchamps to follow Antonelli's development at the test.
Antonelli has actually currently been satisfying simulator motorist responsibilities at Mercedes along with his personal screening program, while his FP1 trip will be his very first public F1 look on track for Mercedes.
Mercedes is yet to officially reveal its FP1 novice chauffeur prepare for this year and after Monza there are simply 2 occasions, Mexico and Abu Dhabi, which are either not street tracks or run under a sprint race format.
In a special interview with Motorsport.com over the F1 summertime break, Antonelli stated he was not taking anything for approved at Mercedes however was likewise not scared of being evaluated on the greatest phase.
“Some degree of concern I believe is constantly there, the possibility of not having the ability to perform I believe terrifies everybody,” Antonelli stated about the possibility of ending up being an F1 novice. “My method is to see it as an excellent chance to discover, grow and likewise delight in the minute.
“I'm not scared of being evaluated, I understand Mercedes has a clear viewpoint about my capacity, currently this season in F2 the champion didn't start in the very best method however there were no unfavorable ideas.
“I am rather calm, if the chance emerged to me I would take it with passion and attempt to take advantage of it.
“Recently there has actually been some pressure on me with all the rumours about next year, however I have actually constantly attempted to enjoy it.
