Mercedes chief shares what was ‘good to see’ from Kimi Antonelli despite FP1 Monza crash

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli is one of the biggest talking points at the Italian Grand Prix as the teenager made his first Formula 1 appearance.

Currently racing for PREMA in F2, the Italian is being tipped for the future. His spot in F1 may well be confirmed soon, with Antonelli rumoured to be one of two rookies to join F1 in 2025 alongside Jack Doohan and Oliver Bearman.

It is widely anticipated that Antonelli will drive for Mercedes next season alongside George Russell in place of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who is off to Ferrari on a multi-year deal.

Having already done numerous tests in Mercedes machinery, the 18-year-old was given his debut in FP1 at his home race at Monza. However, it did go how many expected.

On only his second timed lap, Antonelli lost the back end of the W15 at Parabolica and crashed heavily into the wall, ending his session abruptly. The young talent stepped out of the car and was taken to the medical centre as a precaution.

Mercedes full of praise for Andrea Kimi Antonelli despite FP1 crash

Speaking shortly after the accident on Sky Sports F1 as the session was red flagged, Mercedes’ Chief Communications Officer Bradley Lord explained what was ‘good to see’ from Antonelli in his brief F1 appearance.

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An accident like that for any young driver looking to prove themselves will be tough to take. This will be certainly the case for the Mercedes prodigy, as the ‘special’ Antonelli’s announcement of a seat with the Silver Arrows.

But despite the devastating end to his session, Lord was full of praise for Antonelli.

“He was running, we were running a fuel comparison, just still evaluating the update that we brought to Spa,” he said.

“So he had one on, Lewis had the other on the other car. Two sets of soft tyres and really just head on out and enjoy and enjoy yourself and enjoy the experience. That was the only real advice he was given.

“So yeah, it’s unfortunate it ended the way it did, but he was on the limit, pushing the limit from lap one. That’s always good to see and it’s al part of the learning curve.”

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Will Andrea Kimi Antonelli perform at Mercedes?

The 18-year-old is currently seventh in the F2 standings having picked up two wins in his debut season after jumping up from FRECA last season.

Despite his crash at Monza, Mercedes rate Antonelli incredibly highly and will no doubt offer full support for the talent in what will have been a great experience.

Antonelli’s skill is clear to see with his performances in F2 and at such a young age at 18, the Italian is a special driver and one to keep an eye on for the future.

With this learning curve at Monza, the Italian is edging closer to reaching the F1 grid.