Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli was fast-tracked through the Mercedes junior programme after standout results in Formula Regional and Formula 2. Hyped as Italy’s next big single-seater hope, he carries both expectation and a calm, analytical driving style. Mercedes handed him a race seat for 2025; he responded with seventh in the World Championship and 150 points — widely regarded as the season’s standout rookie before his sophomore year alongside George Russell.
Teams
Mercedes.
Championships
Italian F4 champion (2022); success across European regional and F2 categories before his F1 debut.
Memorable moments
- Rapid promotion through Mercedes’ simulator and junior ladder.
- 2025 — rookie season with the works Silver Arrows: 150 points and seventh overall.
- 2026 — second season with Mercedes alongside Russell.