What were you doing at the age of 17? Probably hanging out with friends or dreaming about the future. But do you know there is a teenager who has just made his debut in the high-octane world of Formula 2 racing? Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the racer you should know more about. In this blog, we dive into the fascinating Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts about the journey so far. Let’s take a closer look.
The various championships in which Kimi participated so far are
Season | Series | Team | Position |
2024 | 2024 Spielberg F2 round | Prema Racing | 7th |
2023 | Formula Regional European Championship | Prema Racing | 1st |
2023 | Formula Regional Middle East Championship | Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited | 1st |
2022 | FIA Motorsport Games | Team Italy | 1st |
2022 | ADAC F4 Championship | Prema Racing | 1st |
2022 | Italian F4 Championship | Prema Racing | 1st |
2021 | Italian F4 Championship | Prema Powerteam | 10th |
Here are the 9 Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts you need to know
1. At the age of 17, he made his debut in the FIA F2 Championship in 2024.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli made his debut in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024, representing Prema Racing with car number 4. In his first season, Antonelli has participated in 16 races, securing 2 wins and 2 podium finishes which is one of the mosy recent Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts of his journey into racing so far. Additionally, he has also achieved 2 fastest laps, showcasing his speed and skill on the track. Probably, as the season progresses, his best finish is yet to be announced, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his final results.
2. He has joined the Mercedes junior team.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Team in April 2019 after gaining recognition for his impressive performances in karting competitions. Mercedes is highly selective about its junior drivers, with only seven currently on the team. Antonelli, the most decorated young Mercedes driver, was signed to the championship-winning British team. So, this is one of the well-known Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts.
3. Antonelli can apply for an F1 super license this year.
17 is the minimum age to compete in Formula 1. Also, this change allows Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to make his F1 debut on August 25, just before turning 18. Furthermore, speculations suggest that Mercedes may enter Antonelli into practice sessions before he officially turns 18. Probably this is one of the rare Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts because such an opportunity is provided to very few people.
4. He scored his first fastest lap in 2021.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s first fastest lap in a major competition came during his early years in single-seater racing. Specifically, it was during his debut season in the Italian F4 Championship in 2021. Moreover, in his first season, Antonelli established himself as a rising star. Also one of his standout moments which can be considered as one of the rare Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts was that he set the fastest lap in one of the races, underscoring his potential and speed against a competitive field.
5. He is considered a replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is seen as the potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2025 Formula One season.​ Reports indicate that Antonelli has already signed a contract with the team. Therefore, an official announcement is expected at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Besides that, Lewis Hamilton always gave his support to Antonelli as his successor, showing confidence in the young driver’s abilities.
6. His father is also an Italian race car driver.
Marco Antonellis’s background in racing inspired his son, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Kimi credits his father for instilling his passion for motorsport. This influence led Kimi to enter into racing, leading him to pursue a successful career in Formula Racing. Hence, this is one of the interesting Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts because it was the ready for this thriving career.
7. At a young age, Antonelli learned to speak fluent English while traveling to races.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli attended ITCS Gaetano Salvemini in Casalecchio di Reno, Italy. Although specific details about his educational achievements are limited, he became fluent in English during his racing travels. Initially, his father encouraged him to pursue football. However, this is one of the Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts that shows his passion for motorsport which led him to karting at a young age, ultimately shaping his career path.
8. At first, his father wanted him to play football in Italy.
Marco Antonelli, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s father, initially hoped his son would pursue a career in football rather than motorsport. This aspiration reflects Italy’s cultural inclination toward football as a path to success and fame. However, Andrea’s passion for racing began early, prompting Marco to reconsider. So, Marco enrolls him in karting recognizing Kimi’s interest and talent in motorsport.
9. At the age of 7, he began competing in karting races.
One of the interesting Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts is that he started his racing career at a young age when he entered the world of karting. Shortly after, he won the Easy 60 championship in the Trofeo Easykart Italia. Also, this early success significantly boosted his future in motorsports. Probably, his karting journey includes numerous titles, establishing him as one of the elite young drivers in the category.
Conclusion
In the end, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We hope from his early days in karting to being eyed as a future Formula 1 star, these Andrea Kimi Antonelli facts offer a glimpse into the life of a talent who’s already making waves in the racing world. So, his story is just beginning, and with so much potential, the best is yet to come. What do you think about Andrea’s rise in motorsport? Could he be the next big thing in Formula 1? Let us know your thoughts!