Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old karting champion from Europe, is set to become the third-youngest driver to participate in a Formula 1 grand prix. He has competed in the Formula 4 series in Italy and Germany, and won two races in the 2024 Formula 2 season.
Antonelli recently achieved a major milestone in his life by obtaining his driver's license. The minimum age allowed to drive a car in Italy is 18, and Antonelli passed his test. He announced his success on social media with a picture of himself in the test car and the caption "Mission completed."
Mercedes, Antonelli's team, also posted about his accomplishment. Antonelli will partner with George Russell this season and will take part in his first grand prix in Melbourne. He replaces Lewis Hamilton, who switched to Ferrari after a successful partnership with Mercedes.
Mercedes will officially launch their 2025 challenger on February 24, two days before pre-season testing begins in Bahrain.
6 Comments
Eugene Alta
Formula 1 is not a place for children. They should focus on mature drivers instead.
BuggaBoom
Let’s support the next generation of drivers! Kimi, go show them what you’ve got!
Eugene Alta
This decision shows that money and fame overrule talent and experience in F1 talent management.
KittyKat
Replacing a legend like Hamilton with a teenager? What is Mercedes thinking?
BuggaBoom
Too young and too inexperienced. It’s a matter of time before he makes a costly mistake.
Donatello
This is just setting him up for failure. He needs more time to develop.