Teenager Kimi Antonelli is set to be unveiled as Lewis Hamilton’s successor on Saturday, despite a 160mph crash six laps into his Mercedes debut here on Friday.

The smash came in first practice for the Italian Grand Prix when he lost control at the Parabolica, careered across the gravel before hitting the tyre wall sideways — an impact measured at 45G.

Antonelli, who turned 18 last Sunday, was taken to the medical centre for checks but was fit enough to take part in the Formula Two session later in the afternoon.

The Italian will not compete in the F1 race tomorrow, with George Russell taking over driving duties as planned for the remainder of the weekend.

Team principal Toto Wolff grimaced in the Mercedes garage as Antonelli spun off but backed the kid he has supported through the team’s junior programme, saying: ‘He’s a rookie, he’s very young, and we are prepared to invest in his future.

‘These moments will happen. They will continue to happen next year. But there will also be a lot of highlights.

‘What we saw today is we have a problem slowing him down rather than making him faster, because what we’ve seen from one-and-a-half laps is just astonishing.’

Antonelli will return for further practice sessions later in the season as he is bedded in ahead of his maiden race in Bahrain next March following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

Hamilton, meanwhile, was quickest in second practice with title hopeful Lando Norris a place below. Max Verstappen was 14th best.