Having been part of Mercedes’ junior program since he was just 11 years old, Kimi Antonelli is seen as a future star for the team. Right now, many speculate that Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton when the seven-time champion moves to Ferrari after this season. Even Toto Wolff expressed his excitement about Antonelli’s upcoming debut, and highlighted the emotional significance of seeing him race in front of his home crowd at Monza!

On 25th August, Antonelli celebrated his 18th birthday with a special surprise from his friends. While it may not have been the kind that he expected, the videos and pictures were filled with smiles and cheer. Not only that but as a gift to the younger driver, the team principal of Mercedes confirmed that he would make his Formula 1 debut during the first practice session (FP1) at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This marks a pivotal moment in Antonelli’s career, allowing him to into the spotlight of one of the most prestigious racing series in the world.

Kimi Antonelli’s birthday comes with debut news

While most people just share a big cake on their birthday, Kimi Antonelli’s 18th bash included a lighthearted but cheeky surprise from his friends. The driver’s group orchestrated a prank involving some cellophane and whipped cream. He shared the images and videos of him wrapped up and seated before they unleashed can after can of whipped cream all over him! Their antics serve as a reminder that even as he climbs the ranks toward Formula 1, he is still a teenager who can enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

On the same day, Toto Wolff announced the exciting news that fresh talent would arrive for the Italian Grand Prix weekend by confirming Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 debut. He will participate in the first practice session and this opportunity is part of Mercedes’ mandatory young driver practice appearances for the 2024 season. While Wolff stopped short of officially announcing Antonelli’s promotion, he expressed his excitement at seeing the young talent take to the track in front of his home crowd at Monza.

As Kimi Antonelli embarks on this new chapter in his racing career, his remarkable talent, extensive preparation, and unwavering support from the Mercedes team will position him as a future star in Formula 1 for sure! With a track record of success in various junior racing categories, including multiple championships in Formula 4 and Formula Regional; he has quickly risen through the ranks, making his Formula 2 debut this season. Not to mention how emotional this must be for the Mercedes team to see their younger player finally making it to the big league!

From a young prodigy to conquering Formula 1

Kimi has been part of Mercedes’ junior driver program since the tender age of 11! His history with the team and Formula 1 goes back for ages. Especially since his father, Marco Antonelli, owner of the AKM Motorsport team, has played a big part in inculcating the passion for driving in him from a young age. Now as the newly turned 18-year-old driver joins the big dogs on the tracks, everyone’s looking forward to seeing how the potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton, will perform with such a power team. Even Toto Wolff feels quite touched by the young star’s jump to the higher ranks.

“It’s going to be a really emotional moment because we’ve followed him since he was 11 and a baby go-kart driver,” Wolff said. “To see him drive out on Friday in FP1, in Monza, in front of the tifosi, having an Italian kid in a competitive car…. I think that will be something that everybody in Italy can be very proud of.” 

Antonelli has been in Formula 2 with the Prema team, showing off his impressive skills in his junior career. He has won titles in Italian F4, ADAC F4, Formula Regional Middle East, and Formula Regional European over the past two years. Proving that he’s serious about racing and his time with Mercedes has taught him more than what meets the eye. Not to mention, the experience that Kimi Antonelli gained through private testing sessions in modern F1 cars under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. This will surely prove useful when he is granted the opportunity to secure a full-time seat in the future.

But for now, the motorsports world eagerly awaits to see this rising star’s performance at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Undoubtedly this young Italian driver can look forward to a memorable weekend, both on and off the track, as he takes another step towards his Formula 1 dream. Are you excited to see him show off some serious moves? Let us know below.