In recent days, the name of 17-year-old Italian racer Andrea Chimi Antonelli has not left the news feeds.
The FIA received an application from Williams to grant Kimi a super license, which only fueled rumors of Antonelli’s possible Formula 1 debut on the Imola podium in place of Logan Sargent. However, Williams boss James Vowles quickly denied such assumptions and said Logan will continue to compete for the British team.
Antonelli is formally Mercedes’ reserve driver and Vowles’ words were confirmed by Toto Wolff: “We don’t want Kimi to burn out. It will be premature for him to race in Formula 1 at Imola.”
Next week, Kimi will return to the wheel of Formula 1. Mercedes will organize tests for him at Silverstone behind the wheel of a 2022 car. Moreover, these will not just be tests, but comparative tests with the participation of Mick Schumacher. Mercedes wants to make a direct comparison between their drivers and if Mick proves himself well, he has a good chance of returning to Formula 1.
Williams is not currently looking for a replacement for Sargent. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Logan has until the summer holidays in August to prove himself. If Antonelli makes his Formula 1 debut this year, it will happen during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
However, it is not a fact that Kimi will take the wheel – Williams is interested in a minimum two-year contract with the young Italian, while Mercedes is apparently willing to lease him only until the end of 2025. And if Williams and Mercedes don’t agree, Sargent’s place could go to Mick Schumacher.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
