Andrea Kimi Antonelli was more nervous than he had been for some time. A racing driver’s career can often hinge on sliding doors moments such as these. The 18-year-old wasn’t trying to secure a Formula One drive. He completed that mission months ago when he signed with Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes fans have been accustomed to seeing the 44 of Lewis Hamilton alongside George Russell's 63 on their cars, but with a new driver in Kimi Antonelli comes a new racing number

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The Briton took part in a Pirelli tyre test for 2026 alongside Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Mercedes are one of four Formula 1 teams, along with Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, who will contest what is predicted to be one of the most open title fights in years

Lewis Hamilton was back on track with Ferrari for the Pirelli Formula 1 tyre test that has been taking place this week at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with the first day topped by Lando Norris. As the new technical regulations for 2026 make F1 cars smaller and lighter,