Toto Wolff Confirms Antonelli to Drive FP1 in Mexico

Mercedes Junior Driver to Make Formula 1 Practice Debut

Esteban Antonelli to Get First Taste of F1 Machinery

Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, has confirmed that Esteban Antonelli, a member of the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme, will make his Formula 1 practice debut during the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix.

Antonelli, who currently competes in Formula 2 for Trident Motorsport, will drive the Mercedes W14 during the first practice session (FP1) on Friday, October 28th, replacing Nyck de Vries.

The 22-year-old Italian driver has impressed in Formula 2 this season, taking two podium finishes and consistently battling for points. He is considered one of the most promising young talents in motorsport and is seen as a potential future star for Mercedes.

Antonelli's FP1 Debut: A Stepping Stone in F1 Journey

Antonelli's FP1 debut is a crucial step in his development as a driver and his aspirations to reach Formula 1 full-time. It will provide him with invaluable experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car and allow him to demonstrate his skills to the wider motorsport community.

For Mercedes, it is an opportunity to evaluate Antonelli's potential and assess his readiness for a potential future role with the team. The team has a history of promoting talented young drivers, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both having come through the Mercedes Junior Driver Programme.

Mercedes' Continued Commitment to Young Driver Development

Antonelli's FP1 outing is a testament to Mercedes' continued commitment to developing young drivers and providing them with a pathway to Formula 1. The team has a long-standing track record of supporting and nurturing young talent, and Antonelli's debut is a continuation of that legacy.

Mercedes has played a pivotal role in the careers of some of the most successful Formula 1 drivers in recent years, including Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas, and Esteban Ocon. The team's driver development programme is widely recognized as one of the best in motorsport, and it has produced a steady stream of talented drivers ready for the top level of racing.

Antonelli's FP1 debut will be a closely watched event, with many eager to see how he performs on the biggest stage in motorsport. It is a significant milestone for the young driver and a testament to the faith that Mercedes has in his potential.