Antonelli set for Mercedes F1 practice debut - report

Mercedes is to give F2 protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli his first run in a contemporary F1 car in practice for the Italian Grand Prix, according to Italian media. 

As part of rules introduced in 2022, every team must put a rookie driver, who has competed in two grands prix or fewer, in for an FP1 session twice a year, to allow them to gain experience in grand prix machinery. 

Mercedes used Nyck de Vries and Frederik Vesti in this role in 2022 and 2023, respectively, but de Vries is no longer eligible and Vesti has moved to a sportscar programme, but remains as a reserve driver. 

Motorsport Italy have reported that Antonelli is in line for his contemporary F1 debut at his home grand prix, where he will deputise for Lewis Hamilton in the W15. 

A Mercedes team spokesperson declined to comment when approached by RacingNews365.

Antonelli to pass major F1 hurdle

Antonelli has been tipped as a potential replacement for Ferrari-bound Hamilton, although nothing has been confirmed by the team - but the Italian is to clear a major hurdle this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. 

FIA super licence rules dictate that to obtain the document, a driver must have the requisite number of points, hold a valid driving licence and be 18 years of age. 

Italians cannot hold a driving licence until they are 18, with 17-year-old Antonelli set to turn 18 on the Sunday of the Dutch Grand Prix. 

Earlier in the year, the FIA received a request to tweak the rules, allowing 17-year-olds to be awarded super-licences in exceptional circumstances, although this request is believed not to be related to Antonelli.