Kimi Antonelli Recalls 'Beautiful Moments' from Breakthrough Rookie Season

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has opened up about the "beautiful moments" that defined his debut Formula 1 season, a campaign marked by early highs, a mid-season slump, and a strong finish with multiple podiums. The 19-year-old Italian highlighted key milestones, from his first time on the grid in Melbourne to driving on pure instinct in Las Vegas, as he reflected on a year that saw his childhood dream become a reality.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's reflections provide a glimpse into the mindset of a young driver navigating the immense pressures of F1. His ability to identify specific growth moments, like driving on instinct, signals his development and potential to become a future title contender for Mercedes. It also humanizes the sport, reminding fans of the personal dreams fulfilled behind the helmet.

The details:

• Melbourne Dream: Antonelli cited his first race weekend in Australia as a pivotal moment, realizing his lifelong dream was coming true while on the grid before the start.
• First Pole & Podium: He celebrated his first pole position in the Miami Sprint and secured his maiden podium in Canada, marking crucial early-season achievements.
• Instinctive Drive in Vegas: The Italian singled out his performance in Las Vegas, where he managed his tires for over 50 laps, as the first time he raced purely on instinct, "as if everything else didn't exist."
• Strong Finish: Despite a mid-season dip in form, Antonelli rebounded strongly, scoring two podiums in the final four races, including a second-place finish in Brazil.

What's next:

Looking ahead, Antonelli appears aligned with team principal Toto Wolff's belief that the 2026 regulation changes could favor younger, adaptable drivers. After a season of significant learning and tangible success, the Italian is poised to build on this foundation and challenge for wins and potentially a championship as Mercedes aims to capitalize on the new era of Formula 1.