Likely Lewis Hamilton replacement completes first F1 test – but it ‘didn’t go as planned’

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 17, is being groomed as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton when he joins Ferrari next year and completed his first two-day F1 test this week

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has reacted to his first experience of Formula 1 machinery after debut test that was hit by bad weather.

Despite his tender age, the 17-year-old is being prepared as the likely successor to Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time F1 champion is leaving Mercedes at the end of the year to join Ferrari and Antonelli looks to be Toto Wolff’s first choice to replace him, now that he has got the idea of poaching Max Verstappen out of his head.

Antonelli recently had his first Formula 2 race, although he has an impressive track record in various junior categories.

This week, Mercedes arranged a two-day testing session for him at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Due to the snowy conditions in the Styrian hills, he was unable to spend as much time on the track as he had hoped.

This led to a delay in his first drive in the team’s 2021 car, the W12. However, he eventually managed to get out on the circuit to familiarize himself with the F1 vehicle.

Later on, he expressed his joy at finally having the opportunity to drive in the top single-seater motorsport category. He expressed, “It has been an amazing experience – I enjoyed every moment of it.”

The initial day did not go according to plan due to snowfall, preventing us from driving.

However, the weather cleared up on the second day, allowing me to complete numerous laps and have a great time. I appreciate the team’s dedication and am looking forward to what lies ahead.

“We did some sim work and ran through some important things ahead of the day. That was really useful because once I was out on track, I knew what the team was telling me on the radio.”

Antonelli has more track days planned ahead.

While Wolff has a variety of experienced candidates for Hamilton’s position, he is determined not to overlook another promising talent.

This determination stems from the regret of losing Verstappen to Red Bull in the past, as Mercedes was unable to secure an F1 spot for him as promptly as their competitors. Mercedes has expanded Antonelli’s testing schedule for this year, with Wolff stating that he will carefully consider before making a final decision.

He emphasized the importance of not rushing the decision, as Kimi is a key player in their plans for the following year and is currently in a strong position. Rushing into a decision is unnecessary as Kimi is already a priority for the team.

Without a doubt, many of the other top drivers will soon be deciding on their next move, but there is a sense guiding me to not rush into making a decision.