During the Kimi Antonelli summer F1 break, the young Mercedes driver has taken time to unwind with his girlfriend, Eli Babickova, enjoying a beachside sunset date in Greece. This pause comes as Antonelli recuperates from a challenging start to his rookie Formula 1 season amid growing pressure to improve.
Antonelli has faced difficulties throughout his debut year in Formula 1, struggling to consistently score points. His first breakthrough came during the European segment of the season, when he secured a 10th-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, ending a stretch of races without points. Despite a promising start with Mercedes earlier in 2025, recent results have not met expectations, adding strain for the 18-year-old driver.
As the F1 calendar ushers in its summer hiatus, Antonelli and his girlfriend took the opportunity to step away from the intense racing environment. On August 6, Eli Babickova, who herself is a professional karting driver from the Czech Republic, shared snapshots of their peaceful sunset outing beside the sea via her Instagram story. The couple is reportedly enjoying this quiet moment together while vacationing in Greece.
The relationship between Antonelli and Babickova, which began in 2023, has attracted attention throughout this F1 season, particularly since Antonelli’s contract with Mercedes was confirmed. The pair have been seen together at various race weekends, including the high-profile Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year, highlighting their support for each other amid a demanding schedule.
During this summer break, Antonelli is also expected to engage in negotiations regarding his future with Mercedes. Reports suggest he is set to remain with the German team for the 2026 season, a decision that would provide some stability as he prepares for the upcoming challenges.
Anticipation Builds for the Second Half of Antonelli’s 2025 Season
Kimi Antonelli has expressed cautious optimism about the remainder of his rookie campaign following the summer break. After securing his first points in Hungary, he has gained renewed confidence in his race car, the Mercedes W16, especially after reverting to a previous rear suspension setup that suited him better.
“I am really happy that my confidence in the car has come back this weekend. I leave Budapest feeling much more comfortable after moving back to the previous rear suspension,” said Antonelli. [via Formula1’s official website]
“We can take this feeling into the second half of the season and look forward to it with optimism now,” he added.
The remaining 12 races of the 2025 season will begin with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 29. Antonelli will then look forward to competing in his second home race of the year at the Italian Grand Prix held at the historic Monza circuit, a venue that holds special significance for him.
This period will be critical for Antonelli to build momentum and demonstrate his capabilities as a promising teenager in the sport, especially after a baptism by fire throughout the initial months of his F1 experience. The break, and moments of relaxation like the beach date with Babickova, offer him the chance to recharge before the demanding run to the finish of this formative season.
