Mercedes Puts Antonelli Rumors to Bed: What's Really Happening Behind the Scenes?
Mercedes has officially quelled the swirling rumors around Andrea Kimi Antonelli's recent Formula 1 test at Silverstone, clarifying that it was not a “shootout” to determine its 2025 driver lineup. The 17-year-old Italian phenom has been juggling his rookie campaign in Formula 2 with various stints in previous Mercedes machinery, essentially getting a taste of what life at the pinnacle of motorsport might look like.
The Testing Circuit
Earlier this season, Antonelli took the 2021 Mercedes for a spin at the Red Bull Ring, before moving on to a more modern ground-effect car, the W13, at Imola. The testing saga continued at Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, where he shared the stage with Mercedes' full-time driver George Russell and reserve driver Mick Schumacher. The Italian media quickly seized on this, publishing stories that Antonelli's lap times matched or even outpaced those of Russell under similar low-fuel conditions, sparking speculation that the young driver was being groomed for a 2025 Formula 1 seat.
Different Tracks, Different Days
Mercedes, aiming to quell the rising tide of rumors, issued a statement clarifying that the tests were not a direct comparison between drivers. “Ahead of the weekend, a short note to confirm that our next TPC (Testing of Previous Car) test will be held in Barcelona next week with Mick and Kimi driving the W13,” the statement opened. Mercedes added that the recent Silverstone test was misinterpreted as a “shootout,” but it was neither the intention nor the outcome of the event.
The German team emphasized that each driver undertook separate run plans on different days under varied track and weather conditions. Unfortunately, baseless speculation led to erroneous conclusions and unfair comparisons. Mercedes underscored that both Mick and Kimi had done an exceptional job in their respective roles, meeting every expectation of the team during these tests. The team looks forward to another round of intense testing in Barcelona next week.
Prema Racing with Toto Wolff (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 Shareholder and Executive Director. 24.05.2024. FIA Formula 2 Championship, Rd 5, Qualifying Day, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Friday." />Eyes on the Future
Despite the clarifications, it's hard to ignore that Antonelli is widely regarded as the prime candidate to team up with George Russell in 2025—unless, of course, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff can pull off a major coup and lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull. Russell has made it clear he is open to any challenge, stating, “He’s a fantastic driver and is no doubt going to be a Formula 1 driver in the future.”
Even departing star Lewis Hamilton, who is set to embark on a new venture with Ferrari at the end of this season, gave his nod to Antonelli. “Honestly, I have no idea what Toto’s plans are, but for me, taking on a youngster… If it was my job, if it was my role, I would probably take on Kimi,” Hamilton mentioned.
The Road Ahead
Antonelli, who turns 18 on August 25, could even debut in Formula 1 ahead of the next season if Williams succeeds in getting an exemption from the FIA's minimum age rule. This could see him replacing an underperforming Logan Sargeant as early as the Dutch Grand Prix.
While the young Italian's future remains a topic of hot debate, Mercedes continues to focus on developing its pool of emerging talents without giving in to media speculations. For now, all eyes are set on the upcoming Barcelona test, where Antonelli and Mick Schumacher will once again showcase their burgeoning skills.