'Williams wants to hire Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes for two seasons'
Rumors
- Ludo van Denderen
Williams are very interested in Andrea Kimi Antonelli and has even petitioned the FIA to give the 17-year-old a superlicence earlier than normally allowed. The FIA will decide in the coming weeks. Why are Williams doing this for a driver under contract at Mercedes? Because the British are not exactly happy with Logan Sargeant's performance.
Sargeant will still be behind the wheel at Williams for at least the next few races, partly because the FIA need time to decide on Antonelli's super licence. But his future is thus anything but certain. Vowles has already indicated that he is talking to several drivers to possibly replace Sargeant. Antonelli is clearly one of them, but according to Auto, Motor und Sport not at any price. Williams would like to hire the Italian from Mercedes, provided it can be for a minimum of two years.
Schumacher and Antonelli compared
Meanwhile, Mercedes continues to see Antonelli as a candidate to succeed Lewis Hamilton after this season. That is why the Italian is being subjected to a performance test programme, which will continue next week at Silverstone. That is when Antonelli will test the 2022 car. Incidentally, he will not do so alone: Mick Schumacher, Mercedes' test and reserve driver, will also get a chance. Mercedes are keen to see how Antonelli compares to the more experienced Schumacher.
A quick decision on committing Antonelli to the Mercedes F1 team is not expected. Toto Wolff first wants to wait and see if there will be an opportunity to loosen Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. Schumacher is not in the picture as Hamilton's successor.