Antonelli banned from Super Formula tests resulting from illness

Andrea Kimi Antonelli withdrew from this week's Super Formula testing in Suzuka.

The Mercedes Formula One driver was scheduled to travel from Tuesday's tire test in Abu Dhabi on to Suzuka, Japan, on Friday for a ride in Japan's top single-seater category.

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Driving for the Rookie Racing team, he was expected to begin in the identical session as Haas driver Oliver Bearman on the ultimate day of the three-day test reserved for rookies.

The idea for the 2 of them to run there was to assist them learn the Suzuka circuit, which is home to the Japanese Grand Prix, the third round of next 12 months's F1 world championship.

However, Antonelli's end-of-season plans have been disrupted by the illness he contracted during last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He was expected to make his final F2 appearance of the 12 months, but he fell ailing with a fever on Friday evening and didn’t get well sufficiently to participate in either Saturday's sprint or Sunday's feature race.

The illness also resulted in a change of schedule for the debutant's post-match test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to present him slightly more time to get well.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, reserve driver, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team

Photo: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Mercedes was originally imagined to drive all day, but modified the plan on the last minute and hired reserve driver Fred Vesti for the morning.

Antonelli arrived on the track shortly before noon and was scheduled to travel within the afternoon to assist him learn a bit more in regards to the W15 automotive.

However, it has already been decided that he is not going to participate in Super Formula tests.

On Tuesday afternoon, Japanese championship organizers announced that Antonelli had withdrawn from testing for health reasons.

The post on X said: “Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was scheduled to take part in the SUPER FORMULA Suzuka test, will not be able to participate due to poor health.”

It looks like Antonelli will return home before his next appearance, the Mercedes Christmas party on Saturday.