Big blow for Lewis Hamilton's successor Kimi Antonelli, as 2025 F1 preparations hit a snag
With Lewis Hamilton bidding farewell to Mercedes after 12 long years, his successor Kimi Antonelli was supposed to get behind the wheel of the Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi post-season test. However, the preparations came to a halt as the Italian wasn't fit to drive the car in the first session.
Kimi Antonelli took a leave from the final race of the 2024 F2 season following a fever. The Italian driver wasn't fully recovered in time for the F1 Abu Dhabi test session. As a result, he was substituted by Mercedes Reserve Driver Frederik Vesti.
Fortunately, the F1 rookie was feeling better in time for the afternoon session at the Yas Marina Circuit.
"Kimi Antonelli is well enough to take part in the afternoon session, after missing both F2 races this weekend and the morning due to illness."
The post-season test is used by Pirelli to collect the tire data while the F1 teams put a young driver in the other seat to see what the driver is capable of. With Antonelli replacing Hamilton, the young Italian needed to get as much track time as possible going into the winter break.
After Lewis Hamilton announced the Ferrari move, many wondered who his successor might be. Reports of Toto Wolff going all hands on deck for Max Verstappen came out while Kimi Antonelli was propped to be the next Verstappen.
Toto Wolff lost the opportunity to sign Max Verstappen back in the 2010s as both the Mercedes seats were filled. The Mercedes CEO regretted that decision and didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to sign Antonelli. Hence, the young Italian was announced as Hamilton's replacement at the 2024 Italian GP.
The 18-year-old took part in a practice session at the Italian GP. However, he binned the car coming out of the Parabolica and went straight into the barriers after just a couple of under his belt. Nonetheless, Wolff showed faith and made the announcement irrespective of the crash.
“No one can ever replace Lewis Hamilton”: Kimi Antonelli speaks highly of seven-time world champion
Kimi Antonelli has been a part of the Mercedes driver academy since 2018. Being in the Brackley outfit's ecosystem, the Italian admired Hamilton and got the opportunity to meet the Briton in 2018 as a grid boy. Although the 17-year-old is replacing Hamilton, Antonelli claimed that the Brit can never be replaced by anyone.
Speaking to F1 in an exclusive in September this year, Antonelli said:
“I have to be honest, no one can ever replace Lewis because he’s such a great driver, such a great figure in the sport. He’s been helpful. Before my FP1, he came to me, gave me a high five and told me to enjoy as much as possible.”
“During weekends, sometimes we catch up, talk a bit about how the session goes and sometimes he gives me advice – like to keep working hard and believe in yourself because your time will come. He’s such a great guy – and I’m really thankful to have built a relationship with him. He’s such a great driver and super nice as well.”
James Vowles and other senior F1 figures were impressed by Antonelli's raw pace at the Italian GP practice session. However, Vowles did mention that Antonelli needs to learn how to gradually turn up the pace, rather than going all out and crashing.