The 18-year-old Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, who is expected to replace the seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton at Silver Arrows next season, had a horrific crash in his Formula 1 debut in the FP1 session of the Italian Grand Prix 2024 on August 30. Hamilton will be leaving Mercedes after 12 long years and six World titles.
The opening session of the Friday's proceedings was brought to a halt after 10 minutes when Antonelli's Mercedes lost rear grip at high speed Parabolica and spun off into the barriers.
Antonelli was replacing the race regular George Russell for the FP1 session and had also started with a clean lap.
Kimi, all good, confirms Toto Wolff
Right after the crash, Antonelli said 'Sorry' over the radio and walked away from his vehicle. To boost his morale, Mercedes' team principal Toto Wolff replied with, 'Kimi, all good'.
George Russell will take the responsibilities from Antonelli in the FP2 session at the 'Temple of Speed' and the team hopes to get the W15 ready in time.
It’s all part of the learning curve : Bradley Lord
Team spokesman Bradley Lord summarised Antonelli's crash as hefty impact with the youngster rushed to the hospital for further medical attention.
"It’s unfortunate it ended the way it did. But he was on the limit, pushing the limit from lap one, that’s always good to see and it’s all part of the learning curve," Lord said about Antonelli.
As far as the F1 2024 season has gone, Lewis Hamilton sees himself sixth in the Drivers' standings with 154 points. His Brit teammate, George Russell is in eighth spot with 32 behind Hamilton with 122. Meanwhile, Mercedes are firmly placed fourth in the Constructors' table with 276 points.
