Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to participate in the first free practice session in Monza. This was confirmed by Toto Wolff during the race weekend in Zandvoort. The Formula 2 driver is the leading candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025 when the seven-time world champion moves to Ferrari.
The young Italian driver has long been linked with Mercedes, but will officially get behind the wheel of the W15 for the first time in Monza. Toto Wolff confirmed after the race in Zandvoort that Antonelli will drive the first free practice session during the Italian Grand Prix.
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Antonelli’s Debut in Formula 1
Antonelli turned eighteen during the weekend in Zandvoort, clearing the way for the Italian to compete in the premier class. When asked by Formula1.com if the driver would get a free practice for his birthday, Wolff confirmed, “That’s a good idea. Let’s do that.”
Debut at Monza
The Formula 2 driver has been racing for Mercedes’ junior team since 2019, and has grown as a driver with the Silver Arrows. “It’s going to be a truly emotional moment. We’ve been following him since he was eleven and a baby kart racer,” Wolff shares. “To see him drive in VT1 on Friday, in Monza, for the tifosi, with an Italian kid in a competitive car. I think that’s something everyone in Italy can be very proud of.”
It is rumored that Antonelli’s time in the W15 will not be limited to just an hour. The Italian is still the most likely candidate to succeed Lewis Hamilton at the German team. However, Wolff has not yet made any moves to confirm Antonelli’s promotion for 2025. “We’ll see what happens after that,” was all the Austrian said.
