Kimi Antonelli crashes in practice debut for Mercedes
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy prepares for the first free practice ahead of the F1 Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
MONZA, Italy— Teenager Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 debut lasted just 10 minutes on Friday.
Antonelli, who only turned 18 on Sunday, was involved in a high-speed crash in practice for the Italian Grand Prix.
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He lost control of his Mercedes car at the iconic Parabolica corner, spinning off the track and flying through the gravel trap into the barriers, knocking off the front wing of the car.
A distraught-sounding Antonelli was swift to apologize on radio and was immediately reassured by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
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Antonelli is widely expected to be announced as George Russell’s teammate for next season, replacing the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
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“I said a long time ago that I think that’s who the team should choose moving forwards,” Hamilton said on Thursday. “And time will tell what they end up deciding to do. He’s one of those young, super-talented kids that’s come through.
“I think it’d be good for people just to remember he is just turning 18, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him. And yeah, I’m really excited to see and watch his progress.”
Antonelli received his first taste of what it would be like to step up when he was given Russell’s car for the opening practice session at Monza.
The session had to be stopped for nearly a quarter of an hour after the crash.
Antonelli was checked over at the medical center before walking back to the Mercedes garage, where he was given a big hug by Wolff.
