Kimi Antonelli is eyeing a race on the Nordschleife, but his employer Mercedes has issued a clear ban—at least for now
Will Kimi Antonelli be the next Formula 1 driver after Max Verstappen to race on the Nordschleife? Rumors to that effect recently surfaced after the Italian himself mentioned in a short video about the so-called “Nordschleife driver’s license” that he wanted to get it “at the end of the year.”
The video quickly went viral on social media, but during this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord has now made it clear that it won’t happen.
“No,” he replied unequivocally to Nitro when asked whether Mercedes would allow Antonelli to obtain the DMSB Permit-Nordschleife (DPN) this year. “I’ve spoken to him about it. I think he meant it more as a joke,” said Lord.
With a grin, he explained that Antonelli might “give it a try […] after four world championships.” A nod to Verstappen, who, according to Lord, “might have a bit more leeway with his experience” than Antonelli, who is just 19 years old.
Verstappen has already completed several races on the Nordschleife and made his debut in the 24-hour race this year. There, he and his teammates were even in the lead before a problem with the car dashed all hopes of victory.
Meanwhile, Antonelli should focus his “full concentration” on Formula 1, explains Mercedes deputy team principal Lord. The teenager currently leads the Drivers’ Championship after recently securing three consecutive Grand Prix victories.
His lead over his teammate George Russell stands at 20 points after the first four races of the year. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes leads with 180 points after winning all four races so far this season.