Kimi Antonelli admits his Mercedes F1 test miles were valuable but insists the W16 feels completely different from anything he has driven.
Kimi Antonelli was thoroughly prepared for Formula 1 last year by Mercedes F1, with a season in F2, of course, but also numerous private tests with older single-seaters, two years old.
The Italian does not dispute the benefits of this preparation and the thousands of kilometers aimed at easing his arrival in the top category, but he also puts things into perspective.
“It was super important. Mercedes gave me a great opportunity by organizing some tests recently. But the real car, the W16, is very different from those I have driven, including the 2022 W13. And that was done with demonstration tires, which are less effective than the real ones.”
“It’s good to do tests, but the reality on track is different, especially in terms of tires and management.”
“But I’m very happy with how these tests went, even if a day and a half is a bit short to get acquainted with this reality.”
Like many others, Antonelli does not know where to place Mercedes F1 in the leading pack. However, early analyses already put the German team solidly in the top four.
“It’s hard to say because we don’t know what the other teams have been preparing during these tests. I’ll be able to answer that question better after the first Grand Prix in Australia. I’m realistic and aware that the level is extremely high, but if I work hard with the team, we can achieve great things.”
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Kimi Antonelli Cautious: Mercedes F1 Test Gains Limited Kimi Antonelli Cautious: Mercedes F1 Test Gains Limited
