Prema announces the arrival of Andrea Kimi Antonelli in F2 in 2024, he will not go through F3
Antonelli has just secured a seat in F2 next season even before experiencing Formula 3. The Italian driver, who is part of the Mercedes academy, will therefore take a seat either Fred Vesti or Oliver Bearman.
It’s quite unique and worth highlighting. The young Italian, Kimi Antonelli, will move from the FRECA (regional single-seater) directly to Formula 2, without going through Formula 3.
Antonelli easily won the title by 39 points ahead of his runner-up, Martinius Stenshorne, by securing 5 victories in 20 races in the European Regional Formula by Alpine (FRECA) this season and climbing the podium 11 times. He is supported by the Mercedes young drivers program and the Prema team decided to promote him directly to F2.
« I am very happy about this opportunity. From Regional Formula to Formula 2, it will be a huge step forward. I am aware that it will be very difficult because the level is really high. It will be a new car, for me and others as well, but it will still be tough. I don’t want to set any expectations, I will try to learn as much as possible during the tests to be ready for the first race, have fun as always and do a good job. I am delighted to continue with PREMA as I started my single-seater career with them and they are my second family. I love working with them. » Antonelli commented about his promotion.
Antonelli’s first run with an F2 will be during end-of-season trials in Abu Dhabi from November 29th to December 1st, 2023. By then, he should be driving a single-seater with Prema on old F2s to get used to the single-seater.
It should be noted that in 2024, the Formula 2 will be different from those currently known, putting all drivers on an equal footing even if those with experience in F2 will inevitably have an advantage.
If we still do not know who will be his teammate next year, it is probably Oliver Bermann who will be chosen, leaving Frederik Vesti to seize other opportunities.
