Mercedes F1 team to hold Kimi Antonelli talks over shocking debut

Antonelli crashes in practice at Monza — Photo: © IMAGO

Mercedes

Mercedes to hold talks with Antonelli over SHOCKING F1 debut

Mercedes will address the rookie's F1 crash

Harry Whitfield

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:57

Mercedes have confirmed they will hold discussions with Kimi Antonelli, following his crash during FP1 at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Italian junior driver made his first Formula 1 appearance last weekend at his home grand prix.

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However, his first experience in the Mercedes car was cut short when heading into the Parabolica corner, where he spun off and crashed into the barrier.

The Mercedes academy driver was replacing George Russell in the first practice session at Monza, before being officially announced as Lewis Hamilton's replacement a day later.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli currently competes in Formula 2 with Prema Racing

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Mercedes in Antonelli discussions

With his spot on the grid already confirmed for 2025, Antonelli's crash will not impact his position with the team, but may have dented his confidence.

In a debrief on Mercedes' F1 YouTube channel, engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed that the youngster will get a chance to redeem himself and feature in another Friday practice session.

"Obviously, he didn't get as much mileage as we'd hoped for," Shovlin said.

"We have been doing and we are doing work with some of our previous cars giving Kimi the opportunity to experience the car, the tyres over a range of circuits.

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