Antonelli Set for Mercedes FP1 at Monza, Wolff Rules Out Williams Move for 2024

Kimi Antonelli set to pilot Mercedes in Monza practice session, no Williams debut in 2024

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is scheduled to drive for Mercedes during the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday, but he will not be joining Williams as a full-time driver next year.

Toto Wolff has dismissed the possibility of Andrea Kimi Antonelli debuting in Formula 1 with Williams during the middle of the season, instead stating that Antonelli will participate in the first practice session for Mercedes at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday.

Antonelli is anticipated to join Mercedes as a full-time Formula 1 driver in 2025, succeeding Lewis Hamilton.

A brief period working with Antonelli might provide him with valuable experience before he joins Mercedes.

Nevertheless, Wolff firmly denied any changes, maintaining their initial strategy for Antonelli to race in FIA Formula 2 while also participating in a comprehensive testing schedule with the team.

During a media interaction at Zandvoort on Sunday, Wolff revealed to outlets including Crash.net that he will participate in the first practice session for Mercedes at Monza.

"We will have Kimi participate in the first practice session at Monza, which promises to be a highly emotional experience," Wolff stated. "We've been watching him since he was 11 years old, back when he was just a young go-kart driver sporting Mercedes gear, and we've always been proud to have him in the team."

"Watching him take to the track on Friday during the first practice session in Monza, in front of the Italian fans, with a young Italian driver in a competitive car, will be a moment of pride for everyone in Italy. We'll see what happens next from there."

Since the season began, there has been ongoing speculation about Antonelli debuting with Williams in 2024.

Logan Sargeant's recent struggles have sparked speculation that he might be swapped out during the season, especially following his significant crash in the third practice session.

Wolff announced that Antonelli won't be starting his F1 career with Williams this year, which could open up an opportunity for Mick Schumacher or Liam Lawson if James Vowles opts to substitute Sargeant.

"James Vowles and I have an exceptionally open and honest relationship," he mentioned, "with clear and transparent discussions."

"James was involved in the development and discovery of Kimi. We believe it is in his best interest to stick with the current plan, which includes TPC [Testing of Previous Car] testing and participating in F2, to see how things progress. We decided not to disrupt our strategy by offering him an opportunity with Williams."

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