At just 18 years old, Kimi Antonelli is already preparing to make a huge leap in his racing career—his Formula One debut is just around the corner in March this year.
But before he even gets behind the wheel of an F1 car, Antonelli can now proudly say that he’s officially road-ready after passing his driving test in Italy.
This accomplishment, though perhaps a small milestone for most, is significant in the racing world.
After all, when Max Verstappen made his own F1 debut back in 2015, he didn’t have a regular driving license yet.
So, in a way, Antonelli is already ahead in one respect.
Stepping into Lewis Hamilton’s Shoes
Antonelli’s upcoming debut for Mercedes, replacing the legendary Lewis Hamilton, brings with it a lot of pressure.
However, he’s shown that he’s up for the challenge.
In March, he’ll take the wheel of the Silver Arrows, stepping into the shoes of a seven-time Drivers’ World Champion.
Should he manage to secure a win in one of his first three races—whether in Australia, China, or Japan—he would break Max Verstappen’s record and become the youngest F1 Grand Prix winner in history.
That’s no small feat, especially given the expectations already placed on him as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
More Ready Than Verstappen at 17
Though Antonelli is younger than Verstappen was when he debuted in F1 at the age of 17, Antonelli is already more experienced in one key way.
At the time of Verstappen’s first race, the Dutch driver didn’t have a driving license, something Antonelli has already achieved.
It’s a small but notable distinction that highlights Antonelli’s readiness for the road ahead, both on and off the track.
Antonelli shared his accomplishment with fans on Instagram, posting “Mission completed” with a couple of laughing face emojis, possibly in jest but certainly with a sense of relief for himself—and perhaps for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff too.
A Rising Star in Formula One
Antonelli is no stranger to success in the lower formulas, and his reputation has only grown stronger in recent years.
Last season, he finished sixth in F1 and bagged two race wins in the latter part of the season.
This experience has earned him a seat at the top with Mercedes, where he’ll team up with George Russell as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing season.
After finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship—their lowest since 2012—Mercedes is hoping Antonelli can help lead them back to the front.
A Crash at the Italian Grand Prix
Antonelli had a taste of the Formula One world during a practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in August, though it wasn’t without its hiccups.
During the session, Antonelli was involved in a scary 160mph crash. He lost control of his car at the Parabolica, sliding across the gravel before slamming into the tire wall sideways.
The impact, measured at 45G, was intense, and Antonelli was rushed to the medical center for checks.
However, he bounced back quickly and participated in a Formula Two session later that same day.
Despite the crash, Wolff remained supportive, acknowledging that such incidents are part of the learning process for young drivers like Antonelli.
He also praised Antonelli’s driving, noting that the main challenge for the rookie wasn’t about making him faster, but rather slowing him down, given how impressive his early laps had been.
Mercedes’ Investment in Antonelli’s Future
Wolff’s faith in Antonelli is clear.
The team principal has been backing the young Italian through Mercedes’ junior program and is determined to see him succeed.
He emphasized that mistakes and crashes are an expected part of a rookie’s journey and expressed confidence that Antonelli will continue to deliver highlights, not just challenges, in the coming season.
Now, with a driving license and a full seat at Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli is poised to prove he’s ready for the highest level of motorsport, making his mark in Formula One as the next big thing.
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