F1 News
Antonelli misses crucial testing with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi
- Sandy van Wijngaarden
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is missing key testing time in Abu Dhabi due to illness. The young Italian driver will drive for Mercedes next season and was due to take part in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. He was unable to in the morning but will jump in the car for the afternoon session. Illness has prevented him from doing so until now. Antonelli will also miss a test that Mercedes arranged for him in another category.
Update 12:05 | Antonelli has now sat into the Mercedes for the second part of the test day in Abu Dhabi. The young Italian feels well enough to drive the afternoon session.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli got to drive two free practice sessions for Mercedes in 2024. In front of his own crowd in Monza, he crashed hard into the wall. During FP1 in Mexico, the Italian drove a flawless session.
Antonelli misses key tests due to illness:
The post-season test in Abu Dhabi would be an important moment for Antonelli to continue to get to grips with driving a modern F1 car. Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, he's continued to be affected by sickness. Luckily for him, he will be able to jump back into the car for the afternoon session in Abu Dhabi. These minimised hours will still be important for him. Antonelli also missed his final opportunity in F2 with Prema last weekend.
Mercedes's reserve driver, Frederik Vesti, took part in the test earlier. During the morning session, Antonelli wasn't in action.
This Friday, Antonelli was also due to take part in a rookie test of the Japanese Super Formula car at Suzuka, but the organisers have revealed that he will no longer participate due to his ill health.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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