Antonelli on meeting Kimi Raikkonen: “Understood why they call him ‘The Iceman'”

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has opened up on when he met with former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen.

The rookie driver, who stepped up to Mercedes when seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was confirmed to move to Ferrari, was asked during the drivers’ press conference in Bahrain whether he’d had the chance to meet the driver who inspired his middle name. 

“The first time I met him, I understood why they call him ‘The Iceman,'” Antonelli explained.

“I approached him feeling really excited, but he had no reaction at all. Despite that, I think he’s a really cool guy. I never had the chance to have a proper conversation with him, but I would love to. I think it would be full of great advice about racing.”

Raikkonen earned the nickname during his stint in F1 from 2001 to 2009 due to his no-nonsense attitude, brutally honest nature, and famously blunt responses to the media, something that fans grew to love. The Finnish driver was asked about Antonelli securing a seat in the 2025 season when he made a return to the F1 paddock in Monza last year.

“Yeah, I heard! When we came here, somebody said that they announced it,” the 2007 F1 champion explained to F1.com.

“It’s great. A lot of new faces, I think, coming next year, a lot of new drivers that have been signed to F1. It’s good for the sport, and it’s also great to have an Italian in the championship. It’s good for everybody, I think.

“I’m sure [Mercedes] know how to get him ready. Obviously, these days they have simulators. When I started, there was no simulator, you [just] jumped in and got going!

“I think it’s much easier [to move up to F1], in many ways, now. You can do a lot of testing, obviously, and get ready. I wish them and all the rest all the best!”