Is This 17-Year-Old the Next F1 Sensation? Mercedes Thinks So
Kimi Antonelli has been making waves in the world of motorsport, and he’s only 17. Recognized and backed by none other than Mercedes, Antonelli might just be the next big thing in Formula 1. Coming up from a stellar driving career in lower-tier racing leagues, the young Italian is now making headlines after his first F1 test runs with the Mercedes team.
Originally fast-tracked to Formula 2 (F2) this year, Antonelli has proven his mettle by winning successive titles in the Italian and German F4 championships, as well as the Middle East and European Formula Regional series. His meteoric rise didn’t stop there; he’s now getting his hands on Formula 1 machinery, wowing experts with his skills.
A Dream Debut
In Austria, Antonelli debuted with Mercedes' 2021-spec car as part of a special acclimatization programme. The test session saw him adapting remarkably quickly, putting in performance that led Mercedes' Technical Director James Allison to sing high praises. “He’s certainly impressed everyone with the sessions he’s run so far,” said Allison, noting the young driver's ability to look at home in F1 machinery almost immediately.
The journey didn't end there. Recently, Antonelli took part in another test, this time with the 2022 Mercedes car at Imola, just ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. According to Allison, “He looked like he had been driving F1 cars for a long time within a lap or two,” emphasizing Antonelli’s quick adaptation and natural talent.
What sets Antonelli apart is his balance of speed and consistency. “It’s a cliché, but he’s fast, he’s consistent, didn’t make any mistakes,” Allison remarked. This is crucial in a sport where young drivers either overperform to impress and risk mistakes or underperform due to fear of errors. Antonelli hit it just right, offering excellent feedback on the car’s performance while putting in smooth laps.
Anticipation Builds for the Future
As of now, Antonelli is in his rookie season in F2, sitting sixth in the standings after five of 14 scheduled rounds. Having scored points in seven out of 10 races—including notable finishes at P4 in Melbourne, Imola, and Monaco—he’s one of the top names expected to secure a seat in Mercedes' 2025 lineup, especially with Lewis Hamilton’s recent move to Ferrari opening up a coveted spot.
Mercedes’ current driver George Russell also had words of praise for the young talent. “I think Kimi is a fantastic driver,” Russell noted, mentioning Antonelli’s rise through the ranks in a manner similar to his own ascent. Offering a look into Mercedes’ potential future, Russell added, “He’s no doubt going to be a Formula 1 driver in the future.”
A Changing of the Guard?
The buzz around Antonelli aligns perfectly with Mercedes' strategic vision for building their future driver lineup. Antonelli’s performance has been nothing short of a revelation, making his case strong for a 2025 seat. His composure, skill, and quick learning curve suggest he’s more than ready to transition from F2 to F1.
While it remains to be seen if Antonelli will indeed be granted the highly coveted position, the consensus seems clear: the young Italian is a star in the making. His fantastic performance metrics and adaptability continue to capture the attention of the F1 community, with even seasoned drivers taking note of his impressive debut.
At just 17, the racing prodigy is not only living up to the hype but also creating a legacy that promises to inspire the next generation of drivers. With the weight of Mercedes behind him and an already spectacular career, Antonelli’s future looks incredibly bright. Stay tuned, as this young driver’s journey in F1 is just getting started.