Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Mercedes Formula 1 driver, has taken a significant step toward independence by moving out of his family home to live alone in San Marino. This change comes as he prepares for his second F1 season, feeling more confident both on and off the track.
Adjusting to Life Away from Family Support
In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Antonelli described how living alone has helped him become more self-reliant.
“It’s time to be the man of the house, since I live alone,”
he said.
“Before, I was at my parents’ place and didn’t lift a finger. Now I have to organise myself – cleaning, laundry, keeping things tidy. I like it.”
He also highlighted the comfort his new living situation provides after taxing race weekends.
“It’s nice to have a space of my own to come back to after tiring weeks away,”
Antonelli added. Despite his independence, he admitted he remains close to his family, especially appreciating his mother’s ongoing support.
Positive Impressions from New Generation F1 Cars
Antonelli shared encouraging feedback about his early experiences with the latest generation of F1 cars. He noted the team’s reliability and his positive initial feelings during testing, though he acknowledged it remains difficult to gauge overall competitiveness.
“We seem competitive and the initial impressions are positive,”
he said.
“We’ve done a lot of laps without problems right from the first outing. But it’s difficult to know where we are compared to others because you don’t know fuel loads or engine modes.”
Ambitions and Challenges for the Upcoming Season
Heading into the new season alongside teammate George Russell, Antonelli remains ambitious.
“The goal is always the same – be the best, be fast and win – maybe even fight for the world championship,”
he shared. He recognized the challenge of competing with a strong teammate but views the new regulations as an opportunity to prove himself.
“I’ve reflected on what didn’t work last year and I feel more ready,”
he said.
Antonelli also mentioned that racing with established drivers has become part of his norm.
“At first, sharing the track with drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen made an impression on me. Now I’m used to it. I have huge respect and admiration for them, but the aim is always the same – to beat everyone.”
Observations on Team Performance During Testing
During pre-season testing, Antonelli singled out Red Bull for its collaboration with Ford on power unit development. He complimented Ferrari’s reliability and acknowledged that McLaren showed promise despite initial setbacks.
Insights into the New F1 Car Dynamics
Antonelli described how the increased electric power has altered the driving experience dramatically.
“The acceleration is much more abrupt,”
he explained.
“The battery doesn’t last long, so when the electric power drops, the car tends to plateau on the straight. That’s completely new.”
He continued to explain that the new cars are lighter and more responsive, with improved handling in slow corners but a noticeable drop in downforce during faster turns.
“They’re lighter, more agile and fun to drive,”
he said.
“Slow corners feel better than last year, but in fast ones you feel the lack of downforce. Braking is tricky too, especially with active aero. But this is just the beginning – the progress will be huge once teams understand the cars.”
Antonelli’s Determined Outlook for the Season Ahead
Reflecting on his development over the past year, Antonelli expressed readiness for the challenges ahead.
“Compared to a year ago, I know what to expect. I know this world better. I’m ready.”
