For only the fourth time in the history of Formula 1, a driver under the age of 19 will take to the grid for the opening race of the 2025 season.
The Australian Grand Prix will see Andrea Kimi Antonelli make his F1 debut at the age of 18 years and six months and 19 days.
Only Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll made their first appearances at a younger age than the Mercedes junior who has risen through the ranks exceptionally quickly.
Antonelli won series after series as a youngster and even skipped Formula 3 to race for Prema in F2 in 2024.
He defeated Oliver Bearman in his intra-team battle – although the new Haas driver missed a couple of races due to Formula 1 commitments.
Antonelli couldn’t beat fellow 2025 F1 rookies Gabriel Bortoleto or Isack Hadjar but did enough to convince team principal Toto Wolff that he was the right man to replace Lewis Hamilton.
Replacing Hamilton isn’t on Antonelli’s mind, but comparisons are likely to be made between his debut campaign and the Brit’s first season all the way back in 2007.
Hamilton faced a turbulent year alongside Alonso that year, while Antonelli will have an equally determined opponent at Mercedes in George Russell.
Russell will have his sights set on mounting his first F1 championship campaign as he steps out of Hamilton’s shadow after several seasons of proving that he’s driving at a similar level to the seven-time world champion.
For Antonelli, it’s an opportunity to learn from one of Russell who is considered one of F1’s most underrated drivers.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli explains what he can learn from Mercedes teammate George Russell
Speaking to the media, including F1 Oversteer, at the Autosport Awards, Antonelli was asked about what he could learn from Russell.
The Italian teenager replied: “I know what he’s capable of, so [there is] definitely a lot to learn from him.
“Speed-wise and also racecraft-wise, I’m really looking forward to working with him and also to acquit myself even further.”
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Russell believes Mercedes can learn some of Ferrari’s secrets this year which could give them the boost they need to regularly challenge for victories.
After finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship last year, Russell will want the team to be capable of going at least one better, although given Antonelli’s inexperience, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Mercedes already have one eye on 2026 and beyond.
That would also make sense given Mercedes are expected to have the best power unit in 2026 when the regulations change.
Kimi Antonelli explains what his aims are for his debut Formula 1 season
When asked about his aims for 2025, Antonelli continued: “I mean, the aim is going to be to go out there and to try and win but at the same time you have to be realistic.
“I’m racing against the other best 19 drivers in the world, so, it’s not going to be easy.
“But, I’m just focused on the work I have to do and to do the best job possible and as much as possible and then we’ll see.”
READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats
Toto Wolff has downplayed the expectations on Antonelli going into the opening race of the season.
The Italian driver has done a lot of testing to try and get up to speed but to expect Antonelli to be on the same level as much more experienced drivers on the grid straight away is unrealistic.
However, if Mercedes have taken their desired step forward, then who knows what Antonelli will be capable of, particularly if he can quickly learn some of Russell’s best habits.
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