Mercedes are putting academy driver Kimi Antonelli through his paces in an extensive private testing programme. The Silver Arrows want to establish whether he’s ready for a full-time race seat in 2025.
Toto Wolff, of course, needs to find a replacement for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. He’s known since the winter that Hamilton was headed to Ferrari for 2025.
Wolff says Antonelli is a contender for the seat but Nico Rosberg has cautioned that it may be too early for a driver who won’t turn 18 until August. The Italian is trying to quash those doubts.
Mercedes will be keeping a close eye on his performances in F2, where he’s currently ninth in the championship after three rounds. But his performances behind the wheel of their old F1 machinery will also be key.
Antonelli began with a run in the 2021 constructors’-championship-winning W12 at the Red Bull Ring. Things didn’t go entirely smoothly as adverse weather limited what he could do on the first day.
But there were no such issues this week as he tackled the trickier 2022 car at Imola. We’ve already learned that he posted lap times comparable to Hamilton on a hard-tyre long run on day one.
What happened on day two of second Kimi Antonelli test
According to Motorsport Italy, Antonelli followed a different programme on day two. Part of that involved getting to grips with the race-start procedure and the technological complexities of his car.
Mercedes also fitted a pair of medium-compound tyres, lowered the fuel loads and dialled up the engine power at his disposal. After a brief off on day one, he didn’t make any mistakes and continued to absorb information like a ‘sponge’.
The team weren’t particularly focused on his lap times, but his average of a 1:17.9 still ‘surprised everyone’. He’s impressed engineers with the speed of his adaptation and his unique skillset.
This will be further ammunition for those who are pushing to get him in Logan Sargeant’s Williams car as soon as possible. An early arrival in F1 looks increasingly ‘realistic’.
Will Kimi Antonelli replace Lewis Hamilton?
There’s a growing sense that Antonelli is the favourite to make the jump in 2025. Mercedes held talks with Fernando Alonso before he extended his Aston Martin contract, and have also had discussions with Carlos Sainz, but their academy driver looks like plan ‘A’ if they can’t get Max Verstappen.
The team’s excitement levels are huge. Privately, they regard him as the next Charles Leclerc.
George Russell has impressed since his graduation from the Mercedes junior ranks, winning a race in Brazil and beating Hamilton in his very first season. But Antonelli may have even more potential.
Of course, with the hype there comes a high degree of pressure. But this is where Mercedes’ recent struggles could actually work in his favour.
The youngster, in all likelihood, wouldn’t be driving a car capable of winning the title straight away. Most will anticipate another year of scrapping with Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin behind Red Bull.
Antonelli would be fighting for the odd podium finish but generally just aiming for solid points. That would allow him to slowly ramp up before a potential title shot in 2026 if Mercedes nail the new regulations.
Wolff may be on the phone to former colleague James Vowles to negotiate an effective ‘trial’ for Antonelli at Williams. And if he builds on the promise he’s shown in a testing scenario, he could remove any doubts over at Brackley.
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