Following the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 has entered its annual summer break, during which Kimi Antonelli is making the most of his downtime. The Mercedes rookie, who has just finished the first half of his debut season, is combining relaxation with personal milestones while enjoying his Kimi Antonelli summer break style.
The 18-year-old driver recently completed his secondary education amidst the challenges of a demanding rookie F1 season, managing his schoolwork alongside races and travel. With final exams behind him, Antonelli now has the freedom to embrace the break fully. He was seen relaxing at Phi Beach, a high-end club in northern Sardinia, accompanied by his girlfriend, Czech karting driver Eli Babickova. Both showcased coordinated summer outfits, with Babickova in a strapless light blue dress and Antonelli wearing a light blue long-sleeve shirt paired with white pants.
Antonelli shared the Instagram Story featuring their matching summer looks on his own account. His break follows a notable recent performance, having earned his first points in four races by finishing tenth at the Hungarian GP. This pause is well-timed, offering him space to recharge amid a challenging rookie campaign and the pressure of stepping into the seat previously held by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
Progress and challenges during Antonelli’s debut Formula 1 season
Kimi Antonelli’s entrance into Formula 1 started with promising momentum. He achieved an impressive fourth-place finish in Australia and collected 48 points in the first six races. An especially notable moment was securing pole position in the Miami Sprint, highlighting his raw pace and potential, which led team bosses and former world champions to label him a ‘generational’ talent.
However, the European races presented setbacks. Antonelli struggled at circuits including Imola, Monaco, and Spain, where Mercedes’ car performance dropped due to inefficiencies in handling hot weather and high-drag configurations. The Mercedes W16 car did not suit his driving style well during this phase, creating difficulties in competing at the front.
Relief came at the Canadian Grand Prix, where Mercedes secured a dominant 1-3 finish, and Antonelli earned his first podium spot. Despite this high point, the momentum did not carry over to the following races in Austria, Silverstone, and Belgium. There, Antonelli failed to score points and suffered two retirements, underscoring the steep learning curve faced by rookie drivers.
The Hungarian Grand Prix offered signs of recovery. Starting outside the top qualifiers due to a Q2 exit, Antonelli displayed composure by managing his hard tires for 48 laps. He defended his position against late charges from Isack Hadjar of Racing Bull and Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, ultimately securing the final point with a tenth-place finish.
A turning point: What lies ahead for Antonelli in the remainder of the season
The first half of Kimi Antonelli’s rookie year has been a period of adaptation, balancing school and racing while learning the intricacies of Formula 1 competition. As he moves into the second half of the season, the focus will shift toward demonstrating his consistency and confirming his place among the sport’s elite drivers. With a brief summer break to regroup and recharge alongside his girlfriend Eli Babickova, Antonelli appears poised to take on the challenges ahead with renewed determination.
This summer pause not only marks a personal and professional transition but could define the trajectory of Antonelli’s career at Mercedes. Fans and team members alike will watch closely to see how this young talent capitalizes on his early experiences and builds momentum in the upcoming races after the break.
