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Kimi Antonelli: First Formula One FP1 Session Will Be 'Special'

Junior Driver Kimi Antonelli says his first taste of a Formula One FP1 session at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix will be special.

Toto confirmed yesterday that the Bologna-born Formula 2 driver will get behind the wheel of W15 at Monza this Friday.

Kimi said: "Taking part in my first FP1 is going to be really special.

"I'm really excited to drive the W15 and share the track with so many amazing drivers. I can't wait for it!"

The Mercedes Junior- who has undertaken numerous F1 tests for the team already this year as part of our Testing of Previous Cars Programme - will drive George's car for the hour-long session.

By driving in FP1, Kimi will become the first Italian to take part in a Grand Prix weekend since Antonio Giovinazzi at the 2022 United States Grand Prix.

FIA regulations state all F1 drivers must sit out one FP1 each season for somebody who has no more than two Grand Prix starts.

Learn More About Kimi

George will sit out FP1 this weekend, and Lewis will skip the opening session of the weekend at a race later in the year. Kimi will therefore get to experience the W15 in front of his home crowd at the 'Temple of Speed.'

Kimi added: "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."

The Italian has enjoyed a solid season with PREMA in Formula 2, claiming two wins. A maiden triumph in the Silverstone Sprint race was backed up with Feature race success in Hungary two weeks later.

He is the youngest driver in series history to have recorded multiple wins and sits P7 in the standings with four rounds remaining.

The Italian graduated to Formula One's top feeder series after winning Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) last season.

In 2022, he won titles in both Italian and German F4 series. He has been a member of our junior programme since 2019.

Italian GP Race Guide

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