This is not the ideal preparation for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will take the plunge towards Formula 1 in 2025. The Italian must give up the Super Formula tests scheduled for this week at Suzuka (December 11, 12 and 13). A last minute withdrawal which is a direct consequence of his state of health in recent days: feverish since Friday, the future starting driver at Mercedes had to withdraw from the two Formula 2 races contested this weekend, in Abu Dhabi .
Still suffering, the young 18-year-old driver preferred not to make the trip to Japan after the post-season Formula 1 tests, where he is supposed to take the wheel of the Mercedes W15. Moreover, he was unable to drive this Tuesday morning in the German single-seater, and was replaced by Frederik Vesti.
Like Oliver Bearman, Andrea Kimi Antonelli had to take part in the Super Formula tests in order to learn and get used to the Suzuka track, which will host the third round of the 2025 Formula 1 season on April 6. There was no question, however, of him competing in any race in the Japanese championship: this test only served as preparation for the next Japanese Grand Prix.
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