Mercedes junior driver to withdraw from F2 Feature race

Ahead of the season-closing F2 Feature at Abu Dhabi, Prema Racing have confirmed that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will not take part in the Yas Marina Feature Race.

The Bologna-born driver missed yesterday’s sprint race as well, and his retirement from action means that the Feature Race grid will be amended, with those set to start behind Antonelli moving up once place each from P11 and back.

Antonelli, who will replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton in 2025, will drive the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The Italian will then travel to Japan for a test in a Super Formula car, which will allow him to familiarize himself with the Suzuka circuit.

On social media, Antonello thanked Prema before joining Mercedes: “Unfortunately, I am not able to race today because of illness. It hurts because it is not the way I wanted to finish my last weekend with Prema.

“A massive thanks to them for this incredible journey we had together. Now eyes on the future,” concluded the Italian.