Mercedes has squashed rumors surrounding a recent test involving George Russell, Mick Schumacher, and Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes’ junior driver, Kimi Antonelli, has been making waves this year by getting his first experience with Formula 1 machinery. After testing the team’s 2021 car, the W12, at the Red Bull Ring and the ground-effect W13 at Imola, he took another spin with the W13 at Silverstone. This time, he was joined by reserve driver Mick Schumacher and regular team member George Russell. However, rumors started flying about the purpose of this test, speculating it was a ‘shootout’ between Schumacher and Antonelli. Mercedes stepped in to clarify that this speculation was entirely unfounded.
According to a team statement from Mercedes, the next Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session will be held in Barcelona with both Schumacher and Antonelli driving the W13. The team acknowledged that private tests often lead to various speculations about their intent and content. They made it clear that the recent Silverstone test, which included Mick, Kimi, and George, was wrongly labeled as a ‘shootout.’ Each driver had distinct programs on different days, under varying track and weather conditions, making comparisons inaccurate.
Mercedes emphasized that unverified speculation led to incorrect conclusions. They praised both Mick and Kimi for doing an excellent job with their respective programs, fulfilling the team’s expectations entirely. Both drivers are set for another busy testing session in Barcelona next week. Schumacher has been with Mercedes as a reserve driver since his exit from Haas after the 2022 season, while the 17-year-old Antonelli is in his rookie season in Formula 2, currently sitting at P6 in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Mercedes is looking forward to the upcoming three-day testing session in Barcelona, hoping for more valuable insights and progress from their drivers.
Source: Planetf1
