Kimi Antonelli’s debut with Mercedes ended abruptly on Friday during the first free practice for the Italian Grand Prix. The 18-year-old Italian crashed heavily just ten minutes into the session in the W15. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed.
Both Antonelli’s engineer and team boss Toto Wolff reassured the young driver immediately after his crash. They wanted to convey that such incidents can happen. However, it was a significant error on the part of the Italian, who lost control of the Mercedes vehicle in the Parabolica turn due to over-enthusiasm. As a result, the first steps of the Italian talent ended in disappointment.
Antonelli replaced regular driver George Russell during the first session at the Monza circuit. His mechanics have work to do due to the damage to the vehicle, but it is expected that the Brit will be able to ‘normally’ step in during the second practice session at 11 AM UST.
