His 2025 Formula 1 debut with Mercedes isn’t even definitively decided or announced yet, but few drivers would be arriving on the big stage with the plaudits or the weight of expectation as Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Celebrating his 18th birthday on the Sunday of the Dutch Grand Prix later this month, Antonelli has had a meteoric rise, vaulting directly from Formula Regional into a Formula 2 seat, all while being groomed to be the heir of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli had long been earmarked as Hamilton’s successor, but the Briton’s shock departure to Ferrari caught Mercedes chief Toto Wolff by surprise and has meant the squad accelerated the Italian’s development programme.
It takes a strong pair of shoulders and a good support system to cope with that rapid ascension. But while life is moving pretty fast for the teenager, he hasn’t forgotten to stop and look around once in a while to appreciate the journey he is on.
In his first wide-ranging interview, Antonelli tells Autosport he is not taking anything for granted, nor is he afraid of being judged on the biggest stage.
“Some degree of worry I think is always there, the prospect of not being able to perform I think frightens everyone,” Antonelli says about the prospect of becoming an F1 rookie. “My approach is to see it as a great opportunity to learn, grow and also enjoy the moment.
“I’m not afraid of being judged, I know Mercedes has a clear opinion about my potential, already this season in F2 the championship didn’t kick off in the best way but there were no negative thoughts.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli drives Mercedes W12
“I am quite calm, if the opportunity presented itself to me I would take it with eagerness and try to make the most of it.
“Recently there has been some pressure on me with all the rumours about next year, but I have always tried to enjoy it. I’m enjoying the opportunities I have.”
Despite an atypically tough start for single-seater powerhouse Prema, Antonelli’s maiden F2 campaign has so far yielded two wins and he heads into the summer break seventh in the standings. His team-mate, future Haas F1 driver Oliver Bearman, is down in 15th after an equally rocky start which included sitting out the Saudi Arabia round to deputise for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
But while F2 is a good enough school to hone racecraft and learn to cope with the pressure of competition, what Mercedes is judging Antonelli’s progress on most is private…
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