Videos have emerged on social media of Kimi Antonelli completing his first Formula 1 test as a full-time Mercedes driver.
The Brackley-based team took Antonelli to Circuito de Jerez in Spain for a two-day test, a track which hosted the Spanish Grand Prix from 1986-1990, and then the European Grand Prix from 1994-1997.
Mercedes' W11 – its 2020 car – was used in the private test with a camo livery ahead of the upcoming season. Despite being a rookie, Antonelli has gained plenty of experience in F1 machinery.
During an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff revealed that Antonelli has completed 9,000 km across various tests.
This is equal to 29.5 races, based on the average F1 race covering 305 km. Nevertheless, a risk has been taken by the Silver Arrows, following the exit of Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli is the first rookie driver to race for Mercedes since the team returned to F1 in 2010 as a factory outfit, highlighting the faith the German manufacturer has in him.
He has been touted as a future world champion, although crashed at Parabolica on his free practice debut last year at the Italian Grand Prix just 10 minutes into the session.
A further free practice outing was given to Antonelli by Mercedes in Mexico City, before he again drove for the team in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
See a video of Antonelli at Jerez below!
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look into the six full-time F1 rookies featuring on this year's grid. Who will do the best is discussed, as is who could face an early exit.
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