Kimi Antonelli is Italy’s rising star in Formula One, quickly gaining attention for his speed, skill, and consistency on the track. Born in Bologna in 2006, he began racing in karting at a young age and steadily climbed the motorsport ladder. Today, he races for the Mercedes F1 Team, making him one of the youngest drivers to compete at the highest level of racing.
From his early victories in the WSK Euro Series and FIA Karting European Championship to dominating Formula 4 and Formula Regional championships, Kimi Antonelli has shown remarkable talent. His promotion to F1 and early podium finishes prove that he is a driver to watch, with the potential to become a future champion in Formula One.
Who Is Kimi Antonelli?
Kimi Antonelli is a young Italian racing driver, born Andrea Kimi Antonelli on 25 August 2006 in Bologna, Italy. He is known for his talent and speed in Formula One and is considered one of the brightest young drivers.
He is 5 ft 7 in tall and weighs 70 kg, making him fit for the demands of F1 racing. His early talent and success in junior racing quickly earned him a place in the Mercedes F1 Team.
Kimi Antonelli’s Early Racing Career
Kimi Antonelli started in karting and won major titles like the WSK Euro Series and Super Master Series in the OK Junior category. He also finished second in the FIA Karting European Championship.
Later, he moved to the OK class, winning the FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series again. These early achievements made him a top young talent and drew attention from Formula One teams.
Rise Through the Formula Ladder
In 2021, Kimi Antonelli moved to single-seater racing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship with Prema Racing. He achieved podium finishes, showing he could adapt quickly to faster cars.
In 2022, he raced full-time in Formula 4, dominating the ADAC and Italian championships. In 2023, he moved to Formula Regional, winning the Middle Eastern series and the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine.
Mercedes Junior Programme & F1 Promotion
Kimi Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019. Mercedes trained him to become ready for Formula One, recognizing his karting and Formula racing success.
He first appeared in Friday practice sessions in 2024 and was officially promoted to Mercedes F1 Team for the 2025 season, racing alongside George Russell as one of the youngest drivers in F1.
When was Kimi Antonelli’s first F1 podium?
Kimi Antonelli got his first F1 podium at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, finishing P3. He was just 18, becoming the third youngest driver ever to stand on the podium.
He raced smartly, overtaking at the right moments and keeping calm under pressure. This podium proved he could compete with experienced F1 drivers.
Kimi Antonelli’s First Pole Position Explained
Kimi Antonelli earned his first pole at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race. He became the youngest polesitter in Formula One history at 18 years old.
His speed and control in qualifying showed he could handle high-pressure situations. The Sprint format tested his skills, and he passed with flying colors.
Formula One History Recommends
Formula One history recognizes Kimi Antonelli as a rising star, alongside drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. His early success in F2 and F1 shows his potential.
Experts suggest following his career closely. Antonelli’s rapid rise and podium finishes hint that he could become a future Grand Prix winner for Mercedes.
Kimi Antonelli Formula One World Championship career
Kimi Antonelli made his F1 debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. He races for Mercedes, with driver number 12. Each race shows his improvement and growing confidence.
By mid-2025, he scored three podiums and several fastest laps. His early F1 career proves he can compete at the highest level.
Kimi Antonelli Teammates
Kimi Antonelli races with George Russell, learning from his teammate’s experience. He also worked with Lewis Hamilton during sessions, gaining valuable advice from one of F1’s best.
He shares a connection with Frederik Vesti, another junior graduate. His teammates help him improve race strategy and consistency.
Kimi Antonelli Complete Formula One Results
In the 2025 season, Kimi Antonelli showed steady performance. His podium in Canada, top-ten finishes, and fastest laps highlight his talent and maturity.
He is still chasing his first F1 win, but his Formula One results show he is ready for bigger achievements in the coming seasons.
Kimi Antonelli Formula One records
Kimi Antonelli holds several F1 records. He is the youngest driver to lead a lap and set a fastest lap at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix.
He also scored the most points in his first F1 season with 150 points. These records highlight his fast rise in Formula One.
Performance Analysis: What Makes Kimi Antonelli Special?
Kimi Antonelli is strong in overtaking, tire management, and race strategy. He drives with a balance of speed and control, avoiding unnecessary risks.
His mental strength is remarkable. Antonelli stays calm under pressure, reacts well to mistakes, and adapts his strategy during races, showing the mindset of a champion.
Tallest and Shortest F1 Drivers
Among F1 drivers, Kimi Antonelli is 5 ft 7 in tall. His height gives him good control in the car and helps with balance during races.
Compared to taller drivers like George Russell, his size gives him an advantage in agility and endurance on long tracks.
How Kimi Antonelli Compares to Other Young F1 Stars
Kimi Antonelli competes with young stars like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. His early podiums, pole position, and records show he is on the same level.
Statistically, Antonelli is consistent and fast. His quick rise through F2 and F1 shows he has the potential to become one of the best young drivers in Formula One.
Kimi Antonelli Updates
Recent Kimi Antonelli updates show his steady progress in the 2025 season. He continues to score points, get podiums, and perform well in Sprint Races.
Mercedes supports his growth, and fans watch his lap times and strategies closely. Antonelli is expected to achieve more wins and continue rising in Formula One.
Conclusion
Kimi Antonelli is already making a name in Formula One with podiums, records, and impressive performances.
From karting to Mercedes F1 Team, he shows talent, focus, and speed. His growth promises more wins and milestones in the coming years, making him one of the most exciting young drivers to watch in Formula One today.
FAQs
What team does Kimi Antonelli drive for in Formula One?
Kimi Antonelli drives for Mercedes F1 Team, partnering with George Russell and learning from top drivers like Lewis Hamilton in races.
How old was Kimi Antonelli during his first F1 podium?
He was 18 years old when Kimi Antonelli earned his first podium at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, becoming one of the youngest F1 podium finishers.
Which championships did Kimi Antonelli win before F1?
Kimi Antonelli won the WSK Euro Series, FIA Karting European Championship, ADAC Formula 4, and Formula Regional European Championship before entering Formula One.
How many podiums does Kimi Antonelli have in F1?
By mid-2025, Kimi Antonelli secured three podiums, showing his talent, consistency, and potential to become a top Formula One driver.
What records does Kimi Antonelli hold in Formula One?
He is the youngest driver to lead a lap, set a fastest lap, and score the most points in his first F1 season.
