Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg disclosed that he personally financed Kimi Antonelli’s karting expenses after Mercedes declined to cover the costs. Rosberg explained that during Antonelli’s early years, he was part of Rosberg’s karting team, and the financial support was needed because Mercedes, despite being involved, did not fully fund the young Italian’s karting budget.
Kimi Antonelli is widely recognized as one of the most promising rookies in Formula 1 today. Following Lewis Hamilton‘s departure from Mercedes in 2024, team principal Toto Wolff entrusted the 18-year-old with a seat on the main team, an opportunity marking Antonelli’s F1 debut in 2025. Since then, he has earned 48 points across eight races, currently holding seventh position in the drivers’ championship.
Rosberg shared this background story during the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix weekend, revealing how Antonelli was once part of the Rosberg Racing Academy, and how funding his karting career required Rosberg to supplement Mercedes’ inadequate contribution. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rosberg stated,
“He was in my karting team. And I even had to put in some of my own money because Mercedes was being such a cheapskate that they didn’t pay up the whole budget. It was a tiny amount, but I had to put in a bit myself. He was one of the best go-karting drivers we have ever seen in the history of go-karting.”
—Nico Rosberg, Former F1 World Champion
Antonelli had been involved with Mercedes’ junior academy for several years before earning his spot in Formula 1. Toto Wolff holds high hopes for the young driver, expecting Antonelli to develop a trajectory similar to that of Max Verstappen, who rose rapidly to fame and championship success. Despite his impressive talent, Antonelli remains young and his current contract with Mercedes is due to expire at the end of this season.
Insights into Antonelli’s Challenges at the Spanish Grand Prix
During the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, Antonelli secured sixth place, while teammate George Russell qualified fourth. After the session, Antonelli commented on the expected difficulties due to high tire degradation on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which would affect race pace significantly given the race’s timing during the hottest part of the day.
He told Mirror.co.uk,
“There was a bit of time here and there, but tomorrow is going to be a lot about race pace. We’re going to race at the hottest time of the day, so degradation is going to be something to look at. It’s not going to be easy, but, overall, we’ve been doing a lot of long runs, so we have quite decent data. We’re also aware that the others are very fast, so let’s see. I’m ready to do my best.”
—Kimi Antonelli, Rookie Driver
Although Antonelli has yet to claim a race victory or a podium finish this year, his steady accumulation of points demonstrates potential growth as he adapts to the demands of Formula 1 racing.
The Role of Early Support and Future Prospects
Nico Rosberg’s financial backing in Antonelli’s formative karting years highlights the challenges some young talents face, even within established racing academies like Mercedes. The Silver Arrows’ reluctance to fully fund karting budgets contrasts with the robust support young drivers often require to reach the peak of motorsport.
With strong backing from Toto Wolff and the Mercedes team, and experience gained during his rookie season, Antonelli’s progression will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The outcome of his contract situation and performance throughout the remainder of the season could set the tone for his future with the team and within Formula 1.
