From Karting Prodigy to F1 Rookie: Kimi Antonelli’s Remarkable Journey To Mercedes

18-year-old Italian sensation Rea Kimi Antonelli recently attained a new level in his speedy rise to Formula 1. Mercedes junior driver recently gained a driving permit, an unusual sidetrack in his career path14. It is a matter of a matter of weeks until his long-awaited first start in Mercedes in 2025, when he will join hands with George Russell.

The Road to an F1 Driver

A native of August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, Antonelli’s journey towards becoming a first-class motorsporter has been nothing but extraordinary. Born to a sports car racer, Marco Antonelli, Kimi was practically prepared for a life in motorsport at a very early age.

Karting Dominance

Antonelli began in karting at a tender age of seven, and soon enough, he carved out a name for himself in European and worldwide karting. In 2014 and 2017, he posted strong performances in high-class Italian series such as the Trofeo Easykart Italia and international WSK events.

The years 2018 and 2019 saw Antonelli firmly settle in full swing. Antonelli won titles in the WSK Champions Cup, South Garda Winter Cup, and in the ROK Cup International Final. 2019, in fact, saw him break through with six titles and podiums in three additional championships.

Mercedes Junior Team and One-Seater Triumph

The skill of Antonelli in karts could not go undetected, and Mercedes Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff, invited him to join Mercedes’ Junior Academy in 2019. Antonelli and Mercedes shared a successful stint together, with Antonelli winning successive CIK-FIA European Championships in 2020 and 2021 and a WSK Euro Series title in 20203.

Dominance Formulation 4

In 2021, at 15 years old, Antonelli joined single-car competition in the Italian F4 Championship. Competing in a mere nine events, he surprised with three podiums and placed in a position of tenth overall in standings6.

The 2022 campaign saw Antonelli dominating in races for Formula 4. Antonelli won three titles: the Italian F4 Championship, the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, and the FIA Motorsport Games Formula 4 Cup. Antonelli performed remarkably, taking 20 wins in 36 races and 28 podiums.

Formula Regional Success

In 2023, Antonelli transitioned to Formula Regional, participating in both European and Middle Eastern championships. Antonelli won both titles, showcasing himself as capable of rapid adaptability in new tests.

The transition to Formula 2

Rather than following the traditional path through Formula 3, Mercedes made the bold decision to promote Antonelli directly to Formula 2 for the 2024 season. This move raised eyebrows in the motorsport world, but Antonelli proved his worth with a solid rookie season.

In a car that posed its fair share of problems, Antonelli won twice, including a first win in a wet sprint at Silverstone. In Budapest, he won his first feature race, proving himself under pressure.

The Road to Formula 1

The quick rise through the junior formulae of Antonelli captured the eye of the Formula 1 paddock. In 2024, Antonelli experienced a first with an F1 car, testing with Mercedes in the W12, W13, and W15 cars.

The first practice session for him in a Formula 1 car at 2024 Italian Grand Prix saw him suffer a spin and a contact with a tire barrier, ending early in the session, but providing him with valuable practice in a high-performance car6.

A Historic Debut Awaits

Following a surprising move to Ferrari for 2025 for Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes then took a bold gamble and promoted Antonelli to a full-time driving position. As an 18-year-old, 203 days old when he drove in the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, Antonelli became the third-youngest in Formula 1 history.

The Milestone: Acquired Driving License

In a quirky twist of fate, Antonelli obtained his road car driving license just weeks before his Formula 1 debut. This achievement highlights the unique nature of motorsport, where drivers can compete at the highest level before being legally allowed to drive on public roads.

Mercedes celebrated this feat with a photograph of Antonelli with a thumbs up in a driving school car. The group humorously tricked out emojis to represent that not only does the teenager have a Super License to drive in F1 but also a general driving license.

Expectations and Challenges

High anticipation accompanies Antonelli in preparation for his first Formula 1 campaign, having developed at a pace through the junior rung and having enjoyed such faith placed in him by Mercedes that a future championship seems a real possibility.

But it will present a challenge for him. Antonelli will face experienced campaigners and proven performers in Max Verstappen, a multi-champion, and many will face a lot of pressure driving for a top team like Mercedes in a first season.

The future of Mercedes

The promotion of Antonelli to the Mercedes seat is a guard changing for the team, with loss of Lewis Hamilton providing them with an opportunity to begin planning for the future and uniting him with seasoned George Russell, a youth Italian

The Mercedes driving lineup introduces a blend of youth and age and could make them a long-term success story. With Antonelli, providing that he can deliver, Mercedes can have a new superstar in a new era for them in Formula 1.

Conclusion: Opening a New Chapter

The journey of one-time sensation in karts, Kimi Antonelli, to becoming a Formula 1 driver has been nothing short of sensational. Having recently gained a driving permit, it is a flashback to him being a boy and a reflection of the sensational nature of his rise to the pinnacle of the motorsport ladder.

Going into his first start in Formula 1, Antonelli bears the aspirations of Mercedes and a country that longs for an Italian face in the grid again. 2025 will be a defining examination of his talent, but with past performances, Kimi Antonelli could become a future superstar in Formula 1.

Laden with raw talent, mental fortitude, and a strong supporting team, Antonelli is primed to make a big statement in his first season. As lights go down for the first race in Australia, everyone will have their eyes glued to him, eager to see if he can follow through with all of the high accolades and anticipation surrounding him.

The stage is all set for one of the most exciting first years in Formula 1. Having traveled through a path in go-kart circuits and emerging at a seat in the grid in Formulation 1, a tribute to both will and talent, Kimi Antonelli is ready to script the new chapter in an already distinguished career, with a driving permit in pocket and a Mercedes Formulation 1 car in tow.