Mercedes unveils its academy drivers for 2023

Mercedes revealed the names of the pilots who will compose its academy for 2023. No big surprises, the six drivers already entered last year have all signed for a new season: Frederik Vesti (F2 – Prema), Paul Aron (F3 – Prema), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (FRECA – Prema), Alex Powell, Yunpu Cui and Luna Fluxá in Karting. However, this list has been expanded with the arrival of a seventh driver: Kenzo Craigie. Born in Epsom (United Kingdom), he has been competing in the British karting championship for the last two years.

Introducing the Class of 2023 💪 Excited to see what our Junior Drivers get up to this year! ❤️

—Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 21, 2023

« We look forward to seeing our junior drivers progress this season, says Toto Wolff, team principal and CEO of the Mercedes team. We have seen impressive performance in 2022, and we will continue to support them in their development »

« In 2023, our junior program has included drivers in almost all promotion formulas, adds Gwen Lagrue, pilot development advisor. We are optimistic that this will be another strong season full of progress. »

And Gwen Lagrue has a word for each of the pilots who make up the academy: “ After a taste of F1 in Abu Dhabi last year during rookie testing, we expect Frederik Vesti to fight for victories and be in the title race in FIA F2he begins. After a successful campaign in FRECA, Paul Aron joins FIA F3 and we think he is ready to play at the forefront for his first season. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is promoted to FRECA after an incredible double winning the F4 and FREMEC championships. » The Italian will continue with the Prema structure for his rookie season in Formula Regional.

« Alex Powell is the leader of our group of drivers on the international karting scene, alongside Yuanpu Cui and Luna Fluxá: they all have experience of putting in strong seasons,” continues Lagrue, before adding: “ We are delighted to welcome the talented Kenzo Craigie to our program in 2023, becoming our youngest junior with his participation in the British Karting Championship. » After a 9th place in 2021, he won the honorary title of vice-champion in 2022 as a cadet. For the upcoming campaign, it will integrate the Rotax and IAME categories.

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