Mercedes is temporarily banning Kimi Antonelli from the Nurburgring, here’s why

Will Kimi Antonelli become the next Formula 1 driver after Max Verstappen to compete on the Nordschleife? Rumours recently emerged that a trial on the “Green Hell” could be possible, but the young Italian’s employers have now but an end to the discussion.

Antonelli commented on his desire to race on the Nurburgring in a recent video about the so-called “Nordschleife permit”, which he said he wanted to obtain “by the end of the year.”

The video quickly made the rounds on social media, but during this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours, Mercedes’ deputy team principal Bradley Lord made it clear that it won’t be happening.

“No,” he said bluntly to Nitro when asked whether Mercedes would allow Antonelli to obtain the DMSB Nordschleife Permit (DPN) this year. “I’ve spoken to him about it. I think he meant it more as a joke,” Lord explained.

With a grin, he added that Antonelli might “give it a try after four world championships.” A reference to Verstappen, who, according to Lord, “perhaps has a bit more range thanks to his experience” compared with the 19-year-old Antonelli.

Max Verstappen's race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours was ended by a technical issue

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen has already contested several races on the Nordschleife and made his debut in the 24-hour race this year. Alongside his team-mates Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer, the Verstappen.com Racing Mercedes was even leading for the majority of the race.

However, a driveshaft issue in the closing hours brought an end to the team’s hopes of victory.

For now, Antonelli is expected to keep his “full focus” on Formula 1, Lord emphasised. The teenager currently leads the drivers’ championship after taking three consecutive grand prix wins.

After the first four races of the season, his lead over team-mate George Russell stands at 20 points. Mercedes tops the constructors’ standings with 180 points, having won all four races so far this season.