Kimi Antonelli has just one goal: to race in Formula 1

The young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli recently granted his first major interview to Motorsport Italy. An opportunity for him to address the many rumors surrounding him at the moment. As the 2025 Formula 1 season gets ready behind the scenes, Kimi Antonelli joins the list of drivers expected on the grid.

A long-term relationship

Since the beginning of the year, the paddock knows that the seat alongside George Russell at Mercedes is now up for grabs. The German team, which continues to accumulate successes in Grand Prix races, will have to fill the void left by the departure of their seven-time world champion. On this occasion, Kimi Antonelli’s name is heard more and more frequently. Rumors suggest that the young Italian driver is the one who will inherit the much-coveted seat.

Kimi Antonelli is not a stranger at Mercedes. For five years, he has been part of the Mercedes Junior Team program, a program designed to train future Formula 1 drivers. Confident in his abilities, the young Italian has seen his team recognize his talent over the years. “The good side of a relationship that has already been fairly long is that the team has learned to get to know me and form an opinion year after year. When we talked about it, I was always told that they knew what I was capable of. I am grateful for this trust, and it also motivates me of course,” he said.

However, despite his performance in Formula 2, Kimi Antonelli expressed doubts about a possible promotion. In Great Britain, he admitted not feeling ready yet for a promotion, despite his victory in the main race at Silverstone. But in recent weeks, there has been a change in his attitude. Increasingly sought after by the media and the driver market, it seems that he might finally be the next recruit at Mercedes.

Formula 1, a childhood dream.

With all the attention on him at the moment, Kimi Antonelli remains focused on his immediate goal: delivering good performances in Formula 2. “I am obviously very happy to be considered, but I am not making any demands. For now, I just want to do well in Formula 2. We’ll see afterwards,” he told the media.

The Italian driver does not want to wait for a place in Formula 1 from his team at the moment. Although his Formula 2 season got off to a difficult start, the young driver remained calm and was able to make up for it in the last races. His particularly high skills for a driver of only 17 years old make him a formidable candidate. While he hesitated before, Kimi Antonelli will now seize the opportunity that is offered to him. “My Formula 2 season did not start in the best way, but there were no negative thoughts. I am calm enough. And if the opportunity arises, I would seize it with enthusiasm and try to make the most of it,” he said in his interview.

Questioned about a possible plan B in case of failed negotiations, his answer was nevertheless negative. « Honestly, no. I am firmly determined to achieve this goal. I only have plan A in mind ». Young Andrea Kimi Antonelli does not seem ready to give in to the pressure, after two victories, he is now more confident about his future. « Lately, with all the rumors about next year, I have felt some pressure, but I have always tried to appreciate it. After my two wins in Formula 2, the atmosphere has changed a bit. I am simply taking advantage of the opportunities I have. ». With the rumors intensifying, it is highly likely that the Italian will make his Formula 1 debut as early as next season.