Kimi Antonelli’s motorsport career is a tale of meteoric rise, defined by his exceptional talent, strategic career choices, and an unwavering focus on his ultimate goal: Formula 1. Born in Bologna, Italy, on May 25, 2006, Antonelli was drawn to motorsports at an early age, influenced by his father, Marco Antonelli, who was also involved in racing. This deep-rooted passion for speed and precision has propelled Kimi Antonelli through the ranks of junior motorsport categories, leading him to secure a coveted seat in Mercedes AMG’s Formula 1 junior program.
The Foundation of a Champion Kimi Antonelli’s journey began in karting, the traditional proving ground for many Formula 1 drivers. He started competing internationally at a young age, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His karting career is highlighted by numerous championships and standout performances that caught the attention of top teams in motorsport. -
In 2018, Antonelli clinched the WSK Champions Cup title in the 60 Mini category. His success continued as he dominated the WSK Super Master Series, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in karting. - between 2019-2020, Antonelli continued his upward trajectory, winning the FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series in the OK Junior category. His performances were not only consistent but also marked by a maturity beyond his years.
The Covid year: In what would be his final year in karting, Antonelli made a remarkable transition to the senior OK category. He finished as the runner-up in the FIA Karting World Championship, further enhancing his status as a future star in motorsport.
A Seamless Progression The natural next step for Antonelli was moving into single-seater racing, a transition that many young drivers find challenging. However, Antonelli’s move was almost seamless, as he quickly adapted to the new environment and machinery.
In 2021 and 2022, Antonelli joined the ADAC Formula 4 Championship with the Prema Powerteam, one of the most successful teams in junior categories. Despite being his debut season in single-seaters, he delivered strong performances, consistently finishing in the top positions and earning several podiums. Antonelli’s second season in ADAC Formula 4 saw him dominate the championship. He won the title with multiple race victories, showcasing his racecraft and ability to handle pressure. His performances earned him a reputation as one of the most talented drivers of his generation.
Last year, Antonelli competed in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) with Prema. His debut in FRECA was met with immediate success, as he won races and regularly challenged for the championship. This impressive run underscored his readiness for the next step in his career.
Securing a Path to Formula 1 Antonelli’s consistent success did not go unnoticed. Mercedes AMG, always on the lookout for young talent, identified Antonelli as a potential future Formula 1 driver early on. He was brought into the Mercedes AMG Junior Team, joining a prestigious list of drivers who have gone on to race in Formula 1.
Mercedes provided Antonelli with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to continue his development. His performances in the junior categories, coupled with his work ethic and dedication, convinced Mercedes that Antonelli was a star in the making.
In 2024, came his promotion to Formula 2 with the backing of Mercedes underscores their belief in his potential to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Antonelli’s journey to securing a Mercedes AMG Formula 1 seat has been defined by a series of key highlights:
Dominating performances in karting, particularly in the WSK and FIA Karting championships.
Seamless transition to single-seaters, marked by a championship win in ADAC Formula 4.
Success in the Formula Regional European Championship, showcasing his readiness for higher categories.
Being handpicked by Mercedes AMG as part of their junior program, a testament to his potential. Kimi Antonelli’s path to Formula 1 seems almost inevitable, with his talent and determination paving the way. As he continues to develop in the highly competitive world of motorsport, the racing community is eagerly watching his progress, anticipating the day when he will take his place on the Formula 1 grid with Mercedes AMG.
