Mercedes Put the Brakes on Antonelli's Nordschleife Dream

The question had been floating around social media for days: could Kimi Antonelli become the next Formula 1 driver to race on the Nordschleife? The answer, at least for now, is a firm no — and it has come directly from his employer.

In a recent video, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver expressed a desire to obtain the DMSB Nordschleife Permit (DPN), stating he wanted to achieve it "by the end of the year." The clip spread quickly online, fuelling speculation that the young Italian might follow in Max Verstappen's footsteps and make his own appearance on the legendary "Green Hell."

Bradley Lord Closes the Door

But Mercedes' deputy team principal Bradley Lord was categorical when asked about the matter during this year's Nürburgring 24 Hours. "No," he told Nitro, without a moment's hesitation. "I've spoken to him about it. I think he meant it more as a joke," Lord explained, before adding with a grin that Antonelli might "give it a try after four world championships."

The pointed reference to Verstappen was telling. Lord suggested the reigning champion "perhaps has a bit more range thanks to his experience" compared to Antonelli — a clear indication that Mercedes regards its young prodigy's Nordschleife ambitions as a conversation for another decade, not another season.

A Sharp Contrast With Verstappen's Nürburgring Adventure

The timing of the discussion is not without irony. Verstappen had just made his debut in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, racing alongside team-mates Daniel Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer in the Verstappen.com Racing Mercedes. The squad had been among the frontrunners for large portions of the race, but a driveshaft failure in the closing hours cruelly ended their victory bid.

The contrast between Verstappen's situation and Antonelli's is stark. While the four-time world champion has years of motorsport experience to draw upon — including multiple outings on the Nordschleife — Antonelli is only in his debut Formula 1 season. And by all accounts, that debut has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Full Focus on Formula 1

For now, Lord was emphatic: Antonelli's full focus must remain on Formula 1. The teenager has justified that priority handsomely. After four races of the season, he leads the drivers' championship following three consecutive grand prix victories, holding a 20-point advantage over team-mate George Russell. Mercedes, meanwhile, sits atop the constructors' standings with 180 points, having won every race of the season so far.

In that context, the Nordschleife will have to wait. When you are leading a Formula 1 world championship as a teenager, no team principal — however understanding — is going to sanction detours to the Green Hell. The permit can stay on the wish list.

Bradley Lord Closes the Door