Andrea Kimi Antonelli to drive for Mercedes in FP1 at Italian Grand Prix

Mercedes F1 Team have confirmed that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be driving in the opening Practice session at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

It will mark Antonelli’s first opportunity in up-to-date machinery and his debut on a competitive F1 race weekend.

The Italian driver is in the middle of his rookie Formula 2 campaign and with two victories to his name, he currently sits seventh in the Drivers’ Standings for PREMA Racing.

The 18-year-old has previously tested for the Silver Arrows this year, his first time coming at Spielberg in April as part of the Testing of Previous Cars Programme (TPC).

However, he will now get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery on an F1 race weekend by taking over driving duties from George Russell for FP1 at Monza.

“Taking part in my first FP1 is going to be really special,” said Antonelli. "I'm really excited to drive the W15 and share the track with so many amazing drivers. I can't wait for it.

"Making my F1 session debut in front of my home crowd too is incredible. I'm looking forward to learning a lot but also helping contribute to the team's weekend."