Source – F1i.com
Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes youngster and Lewis Hamilton’s full-time replacement for next year, will return to Formula 1 racing when he participates in his second FP1 session of the season in Mexico.
Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian sensation, is set to take over Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes W15 for the second time this season, this time at the Mexican Grand Prix. After making headlines earlier in September when he drove Hamilton’s car during FP1 at Monza, Antonelli is ready to show the world what he’s capable of at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
His Monza debut was dramatic, though not in the way he had hoped. Mere minutes into the session, the teenager’s dream start came to a premature halt as he lost control of the W15 and crashed into the wall at high speed. It was a tough introduction to the high-stakes world of Formula 1, but the incident had no lasting effect on Mercedes’ confidence in their young driver. In fact, the very next day, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff announced Antonelli would return to the cockpit for another FP1 session, reaffirming the team’s belief in his potential. Now, he has a second chance to prove his mettle in Mexico City.
For Antonelli, the chance to take the wheel again so soon is more than just a nod of trust from the Silver Arrows—it’s an opportunity to continue his rapid development. Ahead of his appearance in Mexico, Antonelli expressed his excitement about the unique challenge posed by the high-altitude circuit. “I’m looking forward to driving in FP1 and playing my part in helping the team make a good start on track this weekend,” Antonelli said. “It is a new circuit for me and one I have been working hard to prepare for. The altitude makes it unique, and it’s a challenge I’m excited to experience.”
Mexico’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, known for its thinner air and a mix of tight corners and long straights, will test the young Italian in ways Monza didn’t. But Antonelli is unfazed. He has been training hard, preparing meticulously to tackle the demands of the Mexican circuit. It’s a crucial step in his journey to Formula 1 stardom, and he knows that this is his moment to shine and contribute meaningfully to Mercedes’ weekend.
Mercedes, known for fostering young talent, remains confident in their decision to place Antonelli in Hamilton’s car once again. Team principal Toto Wolff believes this is a natural progression for the rising star, who has already shown flashes of brilliance. “We look forward to seeing Kimi continue his development on track in Mexico,” Wolff stated, hinting at the team’s long-term commitment to grooming Antonelli for bigger responsibilities in the future.
Under FIA regulations, all Formula 1 teams are required to substitute one of their race drivers for a rookie during FP1 at least once per season. This rule is designed to give up-and-coming talent like Antonelli a taste of the top tier. Interestingly, the FIA recently announced that from 2025, this requirement will increase to two FP1 sessions per season, doubling the opportunities for rookies to showcase their skills in front of the Formula 1 world.
Antonelli’s rapid rise to prominence is no fluke. His talent, combined with Mercedes’ unwavering support, has placed him in a rare position to earn a seat in Formula 1 at such a young age. The Mexico FP1 session represents more than just another practice run—it’s a test of resilience, learning, and the ability to bounce back stronger after adversity.
As the Mexican Grand Prix weekend approaches, the spotlight will be on Kimi Antonelli once more. With lessons learned from his Monza crash and a hunger to prove himself, the 18-year-old is ready to seize this second chance. In a sport where talent, timing, and trust all play pivotal roles, Antonelli has already shown that he has what it takes. Now, it’s up to him to make the most of this opportunity, turning potential into performance, and keeping his Formula 1 dreams firmly on track.
