Antonelli’s Intense Testing Week Challenges: Navigating the Rough Terrain in Formula 1

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Media caption: Antonelli was ‘really nervous’ ahead of his driving test

Published 9 hours ago

Andrea Kimi Antonelli says he had a challenging week leading up to his debut season in Formula 1. The Italian rookie, who turned 18 that January, successfully passed his driving test six weeks before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

“But I made one little mistake on my theory test,” Antonelli admitted to BBC Sport. “Luckily for me, I was allowed three mistakes.”

Antonelli joins George Russell at Mercedes as a new team mate following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari on a multi-year contract. This Sunday, all 10 teams and 20 drivers will be present at the O2 Arena in London for the F1 75 live show, where they’ll display their new liveries.

“I was really nervous,” Antonelli revealed about his preparations. “That week felt like hell because I studied a lot and practiced intensively knowing that this was my one shot to pass.”

Contrary to common misconceptions, drivers don’t need regular road licences for Formula 1 but must be at least 18 years old with an FIA-issued super licence. Oliver Bearman, another new rookie driver from the Haas team starting in 2025, also passed his driving test on his second attempt.

“I said that I failed my first time,” he joked to BBC Sport. “But it was actually because I didn’t stop at a ‘stop’ sign! In reality, although we dont have traditional stop signs on the track, you should slow down significantly.”

The upcoming season will kick off with an intense 24-race calendar beginning in Melbourne from March 14-16. This new chapter promises to bring thrilling moments and challenges as these young talents navigate their way into one of the most prestigious motorsports series.