Antonelli: The rising prodigy of Mercedes in Formula 1

Andrea Kimi Antonelli's remarkable path to F1

At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to take on the world of Formula 1, promising to be the next big thing in the sport. With an impressive memory for lap times and an enviable track record, Antonelli’s path to F1 has been nothing short of extraordinary.

A phenomenal memory and raw talent

Antonelli has an uncanny ability to recall his qualifying lap times with remarkable precision. Despite participating in over 30 qualifying sessions on more than 20 circuits in the past two years, he remembers his times down to the tenth of a second. When asked about his qualifying performance at Imola in Formula 2 this year, he confidently replied, "A 1:27.3." Similarly, he correctly stated his times at Budapest and Mugello, showcasing not only his memory but his dedication to his craft.

"Lap time is so important for me," Antonelli explained. "You always want to get the fast lap times, and they kind of get stuck into my head without even doing it on purpose."

Mercedes, convinced by his performances, has chosen him to replace Lewis Hamilton next year. This decision reflects the team's confidence in his raw talent, marking the most significant rookie promotion since Hamilton's debut with McLaren in 2007.

Early life and motorsport inspiration

Born in Bologna, Antonelli, affectionately known as "Kimi," has been immersed in motorsport from a young age. His father, Marco, a racing driver and GT team boss, played a pivotal role in shaping his early years. Antonelli's journey began in go-karts, where he showed a natural affinity for speed.

"My first actual drive was when I was 5½ years old, in a go-kart called a Delfino. I just remember really enjoying the feeling of speed," said Antonelli.

Antonelli’s inspiration comes from Ayrton Senna, a driver who left an indelible mark on him. Watching old races with his father, he became captivated by Senna's talent, particularly his qualifying prowess.

"When Antonelli makes his F1 debut next year, it will be with the No. 12 on his car, the same number Senna used during his time at Lotus and McLaren. Despite being born 12 years after Senna's tragic death, Antonelli dedicates the number to his racing hero, saying, 'It's a number I like as well, it looks pretty cool, but it's also for [Senna].'"

Journey with Mercedes

Antonelli’s journey with Mercedes began in 2017 when he was only 11. Giovanni Minardi, son of Minardi F1 team founder Giancarlo, first spotted Antonelli’s potential, which led Toto Wolff and Mercedes to take an interest. By the end of 2017, Antonelli was signed to a junior contract with Mercedes, marking the start of a significant phase in his career.

"Later the same year, the then-11-year-old was signed to a junior contract with the team at the peak of its domination of F1."

His progression has continued at a remarkable pace. Despite a crash during F1 practice at this year's Italian Grand Prix, Wolff has full confidence in Antonelli’s potential, describing his speed as "astonishing."

Racing through adversity

Antonelli’s resilience was on display in 2022 when he competed with a broken wrist at the Motorsport Games in Paul Ricard. Despite the injury, he secured pole position, won the qualifying race, and ultimately clinched the feature race by a margin of seven seconds.

"I didn't know [my wrist was broken]," Antonelli recalled. "Once the race was over, it was really swollen... The pain was there -- mainly in the first phase of the race, but with adrenaline, you feel less pain."

Antonelli's debut in F1 is eagerly anticipated, with Toto Wolff emphasizing his pace and the need for restraint rather than encouragement. Beyond his memory and skill, Antonelli’s journey is a testament to dedication, raw talent, and an unwavering passion for racing.

As Antonelli prepares to step into Hamilton's shoes, the world watches with bated breath. The stage is set for the young Italian to make his mark in the annals of motorsport history.

Antonelli's rise is a remarkable tale of innate talent meeting relentless ambition. As he takes the wheel for Mercedes next year, the future of F1 looks promising with this young prodigy at the helm.

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