In recent years, few drivers have generated as much excitement in the world of Formula 1 as Kimi Antonelli. At just 18 years old, he has taken the motorsport scene by storm, demonstrating undeniable talent and making headlines as he competes for Mercedes. Antonelli, who became the youngest F1 driver to lead a race at the Chinese Grand Prix, is already making a name for himself in a highly competitive environment, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
While many young talents have made their mark in Formula 3 before advancing, Antonelli has charted a different course. He didn’t even participate in F3; instead, his talent shone brightly in Italian F4, where he quickly gained the attention of F1 enthusiasts. After spending a year in Formula 2 as a Mercedes junior, he is now showcasing his skills at the highest level of motorsport, proving that the predictions about his potential were indeed spot on.
His remarkable performances this season are highlighted by his impressive consistency, having scored points in every race except in Bahrain, where he finished P11. In the current standings, Antonelli is even ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who he replaced at Mercedes, leading many to applaud team principal Toto Wolff for making what appears to be a brilliant decision in putting him in the Silver Arrows seat.
The enthusiasm surrounding Kimi Antonelli is palpable, but there is an interesting question regarding his journey: why didn’t the Red Bull junior program pursue him? Red Bull has been credited with identifying top racing talent far more effectively than many other teams in recent years, and its successful scouting and nurturing of talents make for a compelling narrative in the competitive arena of F1.
Currently, many drivers on the grid have connections to the Red Bull Junior Academy, including Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and, of course, reigning champion Max Verstappen—a group that showcases Red Bull’s ability to nurture excellence. With eight out of twenty drivers on the 2025 grid having been affiliated with this esteemed program, it raises eyebrows when considering how Red Bull overlooked Antonelli’s immense potential.
On the Inside Line F1 podcast, Franz Tost, the former AlphaTauri team principal, was asked if Red Bull had ever considered Antonelli for their program. Tost responded by emphasizing, “He was always a Mercedes driver. From karting onwards.” This statement clarifies that Red Bull never really had the chance to approach him, as he was already aligned with the Mercedes vision long before he entered the Formula 1 landscape.
Antonelli’s affinity for Mercedes likely stems from an early admiration for the team’s dominant presence in F1, particularly during Hamilton’s championship reign. Growing up during this period, Antonelli likely dreamed of stepping into the very shoes of the legend himself—celebrating victories from the same podium. For now, however, he is focused on carving out his legacy while the team continues to navigate the challenges of the modern F1 era.
As Mercedes experiences a gradual resurgence following a difficult period in the ground effect era that began in 2022, Antonelli represents a bright spark for the team’s future. While some analysts compare him to Verstappen due to their shared histories of early success, Tost acknowledged the distinct path Antonelli must take if he is to reach such monumental highs. “It’s a question of strong mentality. Nowadays, in F1, there are always two or three really good drivers, and one extremely good driver. The difference is just in the head,” he noted, underscoring the mental fortitude required in this intensely competitive sport.
As Kimi Antonelli continues to make waves in Formula 1, the motorsport world watches attentively. His journey is just beginning, and with every race, he brings the hopes of fans and the promise of a new era for Mercedes. If he continues to harness his passion and commitment, the future certainly looks bright for this young driver destined for greatness.
