Formula 1 Testing in Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty
With Lewis Hamilton bidding farewell to Mercedes after 12 long years, his successor Kimi Antonelli was supposed to get behind the wheel of the Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi post-season test. However, the preparations came to a halt as the Italian wasn't fit to drive the car in the first session.
Kimi Antonelli took a leave from the final race of the 2024 F2 season following a fever. The Italian driver wasn't fully recovered in time for the F1 Abu Dhabi test session. As a result, he was substituted by Mercedes Reserve Driver Frederik Vesti.
Fortunately, the F1 rookie was feeling better in time for the afternoon session at the Yas Marina Circuit.
"Kimi Antonelli is well enough to take part in the afternoon session, after missing both F2 races this weekend and the morning due to illness."
