Rookie Pushes Limits: Kimi Antonelli Unscathed After High-Speed Crash in First F1 Session with Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli's status following a crash with his Mercedes shortly after beginning his first F1 session has been updated. "It's encouraging to observe him pushing the boundaries right from the first lap," a source commented.

Kimi Antonelli received medical clearance following a crash in his Mercedes during a practice session for the F1 Italian Grand Prix.

He wasn't injured, and his trip to see the medical team was just a routine check-up.

Antonelli went back to the Mercedes garage, where Toto Wolff greeted him with a hug, wrapping one arm around his waist.

He was in good condition to participate in the Formula 2 qualifying session scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Participating in his inaugural official Formula 1 session on Friday by driving George Russell’s vehicle under the rookie drivers regulation, Antonelli's session was cut short, lasting under 10 minutes.

He crashed into the barriers at Parabolica, cutting his practice short, but he walked away without any injuries.

Through the team radio, Antonelli apologized, saying, "Sorry."

“It’s all fine, Kimi, everything’s fine,” responded Toto Wolff.

Antonelli communicated via radio that he was unharmed.

Mercedes' head of communications, Bradley Lord, informed Sky Sports during the continuation of FP1: "We are in the process of retrieving the car."

"The collision occurred at a fast corner and was quite severe. Kimi is currently in the medical center undergoing examinations to ensure he is alright."

"Afterward, we will evaluate the vehicle and aim to have it ready in time for the second practice session."

Mercedes' representative, Lord, commented on Antonelli's driving experience, stating, "We conducted a comparison of the car's floor, continuing to assess the updates introduced at Spa."

"One set of soft tires was assigned to him, while the other set was allocated to Lewis for the other vehicle."

"Go out there and have fun," was the sole piece of guidance he received.

"It's regrettable how things concluded."

"Right from the first lap, he was testing the boundaries, which is always encouraging to witness. It's an essential aspect of the learning process."

Lord was questioned about the preparations Mercedes and Antonelli had made for his Friday drive.

He mentioned that there has been a significant amount of effort at the factory alongside the engineers working with the simulator to comprehend the modifications and the car's performance, as well as everything related to the driving experience.

This season, he has covered thousands of kilometers driving a 2022 model car as part of a testing program.

"That has also been included in Kimi's training up to now."

Lord commented on Antonelli's emotional healing, stating, "We need to provide him with a highly supportive environment."

"This doesn't make any difference. It's just a step in the process of learning for a novice driver."

Eighteen-year-old Antonelli is anticipated to take over from Lewis Hamilton as a permanent driver for Mercedes in 2025.

Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has opened up a spot, and Wolff is expected to support the young talent of Antonelli.

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