10 Things you should know about Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Before he became F1 Champion in the Future)

Mercedes has revealed that 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari, for the upcoming season. Antonelli, a product of Mercedes' junior program, will team up with George Russell at Mercedes.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli (@kimi.antonelli) • Instagram photos and videos

  1. Young Talent with a Racing Pedigree: Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the son of Andrea Antonelli, a former professional race car driver who competed in various racing series, including Formula Renault and the Eurocup. Growing up in a racing family, Kimi was exposed to the sport from an early age, gaining valuable insights and support from his father’s experience. 

  2. Started Karting Early: Kimi Antonelli began karting at just 7 years old, showing an early aptitude for racing. His early start in karting allowed him to develop his driving skills and understanding of race dynamics at a young age. He competed in various karting championships across Europe, gaining experience and honing his abilities. 

  3. European Karting Champion: In 2021, Antonelli won the European Karting Championship, one of the most prestigious karting titles in Europe. This championship win was a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his exceptional talent and competitiveness.

  4. Debut in Formula 4: Andrea Kimi Antonelli made his Formula 4 debut in 2022 with the Prema Powerteam, one of the leading teams in junior single-seater racing. His entry into Formula 4 was marked by impressive performances and a strong showing throughout the season. The transition from karting to single-seaters was seamless, and Antonelli quickly adapted to the challenges of Formula 4 racing.

  5. Youngest Podium Finisher: During his debut Formula 4 season, Antonelli achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest driver to finish on the podium in the Italian F4 Championship. 

  6. Multi-Lingual: Andrea Kimi Antonelli is fluent in multiple languages, including Italian and English. His multilingual skills are an asset in the international racing circuit, allowing him to communicate effectively with teams, sponsors, and media from different countries. 

  7. Passion for Engineering: Beyond his racing career, Antonelli has a keen interest in engineering and the technical aspects of motorsport. He actively engages in understanding the engineering and mechanical components of his race car, which enhances his ability to provide feedback to his engineers and improve the car’s performance. 

  8. Social Media Presence: Kimi Antonelli has a strong presence on social media platforms, where he shares updates about his racing career, training routines, and personal life. His social media accounts provide fans with an inside look at his journey and help build his brand as a professional racer. His engagement with followers and regular updates contributes to his growing popularity and connection with fans.

  9. Environmental Advocacy: Antonelli is an advocate for environmental sustainability and often uses his platform to promote eco-friendly practices. He supports initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of motorsport and raising awareness about sustainability. 

  10. Mentorship and Collaboration: Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been involved in mentorship programs and collaborations with other young drivers and aspiring racers. He shares his experiences and knowledge with upcoming talents, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their racing careers. His involvement in mentorship reflects a dedication to fostering the next generation of racers and contributing to the growth of motorsport.

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