Mercedes: Antonelli’s tests were not comparative

Formula 2 driver Kimi Antonelli, who is among the candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, conducted private tests at Silverstone in the first half of May. Later information appeared in the press that these were comparative tests involving not only Antonelli, but also Mick Schumacher and George Russell.

The European press reported that Kimi’s best time was comparable to that of Mick Schumacher, and that the 17-year-old Italian’s speed over a long series of laps was even faster than Russell’s. Reportedly, Antonelli’s results impressed the Mercedes management so much that it was decided to sign a contract with him for the following season.

Such messages did not go unnoticed by Mercedes. On Friday, the team released a statement denying this.

Mercedes said in a statement that some publications “incorrectly described the private tests as comparative tests, although this was neither the purpose nor the outcome of the races.” The team added that the three drivers completed laps in different conditions and ran different programs.

“Unfortunately, unverified rumors have led to the publication of conclusions that do not reflect what actually happened,” Mercedes added.

Another three-day test series is scheduled for next week with Antonelli and Schumacher in the 2022 car in Spain: “Mick and Kimi have done an excellent job in executing the planned programs. We now look forward to the next three days of testing next week.”