Mercedes has announced that young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his Formula One practice debut at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This comes as Antonelli is expected to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes when Hamilton moves to Ferrari at the end of the season. Antonelli, who has been testing with Mercedes in older F1 cars, is considered a promising talent and will have the opportunity to impress in front of the Italian fans.
Formula One driver Logan Sargeant’s future with Williams is in jeopardy due to Mercedes’ plans for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. Team principal Toto Wolff is reportedly considering signing up-and-coming star Andrea Kimi Antonelli to Mercedes, a move that could lead to Sargeant’s departure from the grid. Antonelli, who has been working closely with Wolff and Mercedes, is seen as a long-term replacement for Hamilton, whose contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season. Sargeant, who made his F1 debut with Williams last year, has struggled to make an impact in the sport, sitting at the bottom of the driver standings and facing the possibility of being frozen out when his contract expires in 2024. Mercedes’ decision to prioritize Antonelli over Sargeant highlights the team’s focus on long-term planning, potentially at the expense of Sargeant’s immediate racing prospects.
Mercedes is considering a bold move to place their young driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, in a Formula 1 seat with Williams. This interim step is part of a development pathway for Antonelli, who currently lacks the FIA super license to compete in F1 due to his age. At 17 years old, Antonelli is close to meeting the age requirement, but Mercedes is exploring a potential dispensation from the FIA. Williams Racing could provide a valuable platform for Antonelli to gain experience before potentially joining Mercedes in 2026.
