Kimi Antonelli. A name Formula 1 fans are going to be hearing a lot over the next few years. The 18-year-old Italian is gearing up for his first season in motorsport's top flight, looking to make a name for himself on the track. Off it? Well, here's his story.
To bring fans [AWOL from earth the past year] up to speed with Antonelli set to become the third-youngest driver in F1 history when he makes his Grand Prix debut in Australia next month, the Mercedes media team sat down with Kimi on his first day in Brackley. Looking ahead at the debut, an expert opinion is unanimous:
According to , Antonelli’s mix of instinctive racecraft and composure off the track could make him one of the most promising rookies Formula 1 has seen in years.
Describing himself, Antonelli already sees the difference between his competitive and relaxed self. He said: "When I'm at the racetrack, I can just fully lock in. I am fully determined and passionate about this sport and what I do. When I drive, I am trying to do it by instinct.
"If I am doing an activity with my friends - paintballing or bowling - I focus and get very competitive, I will barely even talk to my friends in that moment!
"But if I am at home, maybe even after a busy race weekend, I can just chill. I know how to keep myself calm and just do my own thing. Trying not to overthink and overstress everything puts you in a better mood and helps you get back focused," he added.
Antonelli: Senna DVDs inspired me
Many young drivers don't experience an F1 paddock until F3 or F2, but Antonelli’s first taste came at just seven years old—without official accreditation; he recalled: "It was Hockenheim in 2014. I couldn't get into the paddock because I was too little.
"My Dad decided to hide me inside a stack of tyres and wheel me through on a trolley. We put an umbrella on top to make me harder to see! I got through and into the pit lane, and my dad's friend got me a pass.
"I had a look around for an hour and it was such a cool experience—but we always laugh at the story of the trolley," he admitted.
His racing hero is one of F1’s all-time greats - Ayrton Senna. He explained why; saying: "I always got really passionate when I saw videos of Senna. Growing up I would watch all the DVDs of the seasons from the 1980s to the 2000s, and in one of them, I remember watching Ayrton and it really stood out.
"I know I was not lucky enough to watch him race, but when I watched all these videos I started to realise all these incredible races he has done. I watched the documentary and the recent series too. He is my idol because of who he was off the track as well as on it.
"An incredible driver, but a great person too. That inspired me, and to achieve even a little part of what he did in my career would be so cool," added the Italian, before he elaborated on the special significance of the #12 he will carry on his Mercedes.
Antonelli: #12 was also my first number in single-seaters
"It is because of Ayrton," revealed Antonelli. History shows that Senna carried the number 12 for three seasons with Lotus between 1985 and 1987, taking his first F1 victory in Portugal in 1985. His first title in 1988 came with the number 12 on his McLaren.
Antonelli continued: "It is also the number I first used in single-seaters. From F4 I started to use 12 straight away and it worked pretty well with that number. Hopefully, I can carry that on in F1."
That would be an understatement. With #12, Antonelli won the Italian and German F4 titles in 2022, and the Formula Regional championships in Europe and the Middle East a year later.
"I was also 12 years old when I joined the Mercedes junior programme, so there is that too," he added.
When it comes to his favourite tracks, Antonelli’s preferences are close to home; he said: "I really like Imola and Mugello, they are both great tracks. Imola is about 30 minutes away from my home, and Mugello is about 50 minutes."
Silverstone has also left a strong impression; he continued: "I fell in love with Silverstone as well the first time I drove there.
"Going through Maggotts, Becketts, Chapel and Stowe was incredible in an F1 car—it left me speechless. Monaco is another one I really enjoyed last year in F2. The focus you need, especially on that single-lap pace, is incredible."
Antonelli is the sixth full-time Mercedes driver of the modern era. The German team began a second life in F1 when they returned to the top flight in 2010 with Michael Schumacher (2019 to 2012) and Nico Rosberg (2010 to 2016) leading the first campaign 23 years ago..
Since then Mercedes drivers have included Lewis Hamilton (2013 to 2024), and Valtteri Bottas (2017 to 2021) with Russell in the team since 2022. After a three-season stint at Sauber, Bottas is back, this time as Merc reserve for 2025.
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