Andrea Kimi Antonelli has started a testing program to prepare for a Formula 1 debut. The 17-year-old Italian is considered the showpiece of the Mercedes junior program and is seen as a contender to fill Lewis Hamilton’s vacant seat in 2025. Antonelli is also seen as a contender for Williams this year, as a replacement for Logan Sargeant.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has spoken frequently about Antonelli, although he also tried several times to temper expectations. Antonelli became the dominant champion in the Formula Regional European Championship last season, after which Mercedes decided to skip Formula 3 together with the top talent. Antonelli made his debut in Formula 2 this season, where he has already stood out positively on several occasions, including a fourth place in the main race in Australia.
In Formula 2, Antonelli is paired with Prema teammate Oliver Bearman, who replaced the sick Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and left a good impression. Since Antonelli is currently performing at least as well in Formula 2 as his 18-year-old teammate, Wolff would consider using the 17-year-old talent in Formula 1 as soon as possible.
2024 debut beckons
The last Mercedes drivers all left Williams: Nico Rosberg switched in 2010 and was replaced by Valtteri Bottas in 2017. The Finn, in turn, was sidelined after 2021 at the expense of George Russell. After this trio, it is not surprising that Wolff sees Williams as a good springboard for Antonelli, especially since Wolff himself has a past with Williams. At the British team, Antonelli is linked with Logan Sargeant’s seat.
In addition to a 2025 debut, there are also options for Antonelli to make his debut this season. The Italian will turn eighteen years old on the day of the Dutch Grand Prix, and will be allowed to participate in Grands Prix from that moment on, as he already has sufficient license points. His home race in Italy is scheduled for a week later, with Monza providing an ideal backdrop for debutants. According to several journalists, Williams would seriously consider this option.
An alternative is that Antonelli will make his debut in Imola on May 19. Journalist Joe Saward suggested that Williams may turn to the FIA ​​in an attempt to get an exception after Max Verstappen also performed well in 2015 at the age of 17. The timing of the race in Imola is also favorable: it would give the Miami-born Sargeant the opportunity to complete his home race this week, after which Antonelli can compete at his home circuit in Italy. Antonelli completed his test on that circuit.
Test program Antonelli
The fact that Wolff was serious about a test program for his junior driver bodes well for Antonelli, who previously drove the 2021 car. Wolff joked: “We want him to experience what it’s like to drive a really good car and then we’ll put him in the 2022 car to see what the difference is.” The test in the 2021 car has already been completed, and the images below show Antonelli in the W13, the 2022 car with this year’s colors. The Italian also seems to have a more difficult time in that car, as he brakes in the video and has to make a trip through the gravel trap.
Wolff does not want to repeat mistakes
In 2014, Wolff, like many other prominent figures in the Formula 1 world, tried to obtain the autograph of a 16-year-old Verstappen. The Austrian recently indicated that to this day he is disappointed that he saw the Limburger go to Red Bull, and therefore wants to do everything he can to ensure that Antonelli does not end up in the hands of the competition. An early debut is a good option. If Antonelli makes his debut for Williams this season, Wolff will also have the opportunity to evaluate his pupil.
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