The perfect introduction to the Prince of Italy - and Formula 1.

At just 20 years old, Kimi Antonelli has already been billed as one of motorsport's brightest talents. Born in Bologna, Italy, he joined the Mercedes junior programme in 2019 and quickly built a reputation as a prodigious winner in karting, claiming major European titles before moving into single-seater racing.

His rise through the junior ranks was remarkably fast. In 2022 he dominated Formula 4, winning both the Italian and ADAC championships, before stepping up to Formula Regional in 2023 and securing the Formula Regional European Championship title. Rather than progressing through Formula 3, Antonelli skipped directly to Formula 2 in 2024, underlining the faith Mercedes had in his ability.

Fittingly given his age and talent, Mercedes confirmed Antonelli as the successor to Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season, one of the most high-profile promotions in recent F1 history. He repaid that confidence with an impressive F1 debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, charging from 16th on the grid to finish fourth with a demonstration of raw ability and gut instinct.

The 2026 season has seen him move swiftly through the field to pole position as he edges in on what is likely to be the first of many driver championships. Antonelli's story so far is one of exceptional talent, rapid progression and immense expectation, with many viewing him as the leading candidate to become Italy's next Formula 1 superstar.

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"I've got to just keep pushing. I keep doing the best I can every race. Because, yeah, that's the way. Just not finish. And until it's done, it's not over." - Kimi Antonelli

"You can't expect to have a lion in the car and a puppy outside." - Toto Wolff, on Antonelli

Typically, most future F1 drivers progress from Formula 4 to Formula Regional, then Formula 3, Formula 2 and finally Formula 1. Antonelli bypassed Formula 3 altogether, jumping directly from Formula Regional champion to Formula 2 in 2024.