Kimi Antonelli is one of six new full-time drivers on the F1 grid in 2025. The Italian arguably has the most hype around him.
Toto Wolff has trusted Antonelli to step up to F1 as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes. While he has huge shoes to fill, Antonelli does not see himself as Hamilton’s replacement – rather than next driver for the Silver Arrows.
The 18-year-old had a mega junior career with multiple titles, jumping to F2 last season straight from FRECA. Antonelli finished the season sixth in the standings with two wins.
The Italian is being held in high regard by key figures all around the paddock. Fellow rookie Isack Hadjar is reminded of Max Verstappen by Antonelli in how Mercedes prepared him for F1 like how Red Bull did for the Dutchman.
Ted Kravitz even picked Antonelli’s reactions when building his perfect F1 driver – highlighting just how much hype the young sensation has around him.
But with hype comes pressure – especially when racing for Mercedes as the successor to Hamilton. And it has got to Antonelli already on previous occasions.
Kimi Antonelli admits ‘nobody expects’ him to win in his rookie season
After only 10 minutes of his first FP1 session at Monza, Antonelli crashed into the barriers at the Parabolica. While mistakes are expected from the rookie, it casts doubt over whether he can perform over a full season.
Martin Brundle fears Mercedes are a ‘one-horse team’ as he expects George Russell to be fighting at the front with McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Christian Danner thinks Valtteri Bottas could be Mercedes’ ‘Plan B’ if Antonelli fails to deliver. The Finn will act as the Silver Arrows’ reserve driver and can be called upon if required.
READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats
Not many people are expecting miracles from the 18-year-old in 2025 – and he seems to know that himself. Speaking with Sport Bild, Antonelli admits ‘nobody expects’ him to win this season but stresses that is his goal in the future.
“Nobody expects victories just because I’m in a Mercedes,” he said. “I’m a young driver who definitely still has a lot to learn in his first year in Formula 1.
“But it’s in my nature that as soon as I’m in the car, my goal is always to win. But this racing series is extremely competitive. The best of the best drive here. I want to be one of them and I know that I have what it takes. We can achieve great things.”
Kimi Antonelli will become F1’s youngest-ever winner if he takes victory in the first three races of 2025
Antonelli will be the youngest driver on the grid in 2025. In fact, he will be the third youngest driver in F1 history when he makes his debut at 18 years and 203 days old in Melbourne.
With this, Antonelli could become F1’s youngest winner if he claims victory in Australia, China or Japan. Verstappen holds the record with his win at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix at 18 years and 228 days.
Racing with Mercedes, podiums and race wins are possible for Antonelli. Whether he will do it right away is another question, but he certainly has the potential to do so.
Antonelli is desperate to win at Imola in F1 as well as Monza – he will have two home Grand Prix on the calendar in 2025.
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