Andrea Kimi Antonelli enters the 2025 Formula 1 season as Mercedes’ newest driver but its anyone’s guess what he’ll be capable of achieving during his rookie campaign.
Mercedes have incredibly high hopes for Kimi Antonelli but aren’t expecting him to start challenging for victories straight away.
Team principal Toto Wolff has played down Antonelli’s chances in Australia at the season opener, but the young Italian will be desperate to prove that the Silver Arrows have made the right choice by promoting him.
Antonelli has had a glittering junior career that has seen him skipping steps to reach Formula 1 as quickly as he did.
Max Verstappen’s final season before reaching F1 was spent in Formula 3 racing against Esteban Ocon, but Antonelli was promoted straight to F2 from regional racing.
Although Antonelli only finished sixth in his maiden Formula 2 championship, he showed glimpses of why Mercedes are so excited about him.
James Vowles was amazed by a move Antonelli pulled off at Spa, while his victory at a soaking wet Silverstone highlighted the skill he has beyond his years.
While Mercedes are trying to play down what they expect Antonelli to achieve during his first season, he’ll know that one record is available to him during the first few race weekends.
He’s young enough to become Formula 1’s youngest-ever winner, breaking the record Verstappen set at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
However, in an interview with Soy Motor, Antonelli admitted that there’s another race that he would love to win even more during his maiden campaign.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli desperate to win ‘special’ Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola
Antonelli was asked if there was a headline that he would be satisfied with at the end of his F1 season and said: “I mean, the mindset is going to be going on track and trying to win.
“Of course, the level is extremely high. You’re racing the best of the best and with the best drivers in the world.
“So, definitely, I will be happy to have a successful season, definitely learning a lot, not only as a driver but as a person.
“But yeah of course, achieving some great results will be great then I will be satisfied with it.”
The Italian was asked if he had a trophy in mind already and said: “Oh definitely my home race Imola!
READ MORE: Which F1 drivers do well at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen successful in Imola
“Especially because it’s the last Imola Grand Prix, I hope they will put it back in the calendar.
“But it will be good because it will be my home race and of course, Monza as well, but Imola is my proper home race.
“But to be honest all of them, if I have to be really honest, but of course my home race is the special one.”
Kimi Antonelli talks about how he expects to feel on his Formula 1 debut
The 18-year-old was asked what his first thought will be ahead of his debut in Australia and answered: “Yeah, I mean, when I’m going to be approaching the grid, I’m going to be like, wow, this is real, this is happening.
“But then at the same time, it’s a great motto [Adidas’ You Got This] because it can really help you sometimes.
“Just to remind yourself that you’ve actually got this and you got where you are for a reason and there’s no other reason why you wouldn’t perform well.
“So, it’s a great motto to remind yourself and especially when you’re a bit too nervous. If I feel too nervous, I will remind myself.”
READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats
Antonelli is right to be worried about Imola falling off the Formula 1 calendar as its contract runs out at the end of 2025.
The race has hosted some of F1’s most important and emotional moments and while it may be simply rotated between several other European circuits, Antonelli will know that 2025 might be his only chance to stand on the top step of the podium at his home race.
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