Mercedes has poured cold water on speculation surrounding Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s most recent private test, with reports claiming the track day was a proper “shootout” for the team’s vacant seat for 2025.
Antonelli, who currently competed with Prema in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, is undergoing a driver development programme with Mercedes in preparation for a potential future graduation to F1.
The 17-year-old Italian kicked off his programme last month with a day of testing at the Red Bull at the wheel of Mercedes’ 2021-spec car before he was entrusted with the team’s 2022 first-generation ground-effect machine.
His programme continued at Imola and then resumed at Silverstone where George Russell and Mercdes reserve Mick Schumacher were also present.
This week, the Italian media reported on the Silverstone test, claiming that it was a direct performance comparison between Antonelli and Russell.
The reports stated that Antonelli had matched Russell's times in qualifying trim and even surpassed the Briton’s performance on longer runs.
However, Mercedes has firmly denied the outlandish stories and clarified the process that took place at Silverstone..
“Ahead of the weekend, a short note to confirm that our next TPC (Testing of Previous Car) test will be held in Barcelona next week with Mick and Kimi driving the W13 (2022 car),” read a statement from Mercedes.
“Perhaps understandably, given these are private tests, there has been a lot of speculation around their purpose and content.
“Our most recent TPC test in Silverstone included Mick, Kimi and George. It was incorrectly labelled a “shootout”, which was neither the intention nor the findings of the running.
“It’s important to understand that each driver completed different programmes, on different days, in different track and weather conditions.
“Unfortunately, unverified speculation has led to conclusions and comparisons being published that do not reflect what happened.
“Both Mick and Kimi have done an excellent job delivering their respective programmes, to the complete satisfaction of the team, and we are looking forward to three busy days of running next week, too.”
Antonelli is the leading contender to partner Russell at Mercedes in 2025, with outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz rumored to be out of the mix.
At Imola earlier this month, Russell stated his readiness to compete alongside whomever the team chooses for 2025, including Antonelli.
“He’s a fantastic driver and is no doubt going to be a Formula 1 driver in future,” commented Russell.
“[Antonelli] makes for a great opportunity for Mercedes building into the future.”
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