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Kimi Antonelli The Young Phenom Poised to Shake Up Formula 1: “I chose number 12 inspired by Ayrton Senna”

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
February 7, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
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Kimi Antonelli The Young Phenom Poised to Shake Up Formula 1: “I chose number 12 inspired by Ayrton Senna”

The countdown is on. In just a few weeks, Kimi Antonelli will etch his name into Formula 1 history as the third-youngest driver to ever compete in the sport when he makes his highly anticipated debut for Mercedes at the Australian Grand Prix. At just 18 years old, the Italian prodigy has already lived a lifetime in motorsport, and now, he’s ready to take the next step in his meteoric rise.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, Antonelli isn’t just another rookie. He’s a generational talent with a deep-rooted passion for racing, a relentless drive to win, and a connection to Formula 1 that dates back to his childhood—literally sneaking into the paddock as a seven-year-old. Now, he’s about to step onto the biggest stage in motorsport, and he’s carrying the weight of history on his shoulders.

Locked In: Antonelli’s Competitive Edge

The Mercedes media team recently sat down with Antonelli at the team’s Brackley headquarters, where the young star shed light on his mindset both on and off the track. While he might be an easygoing teenager in his downtime, the moment he steps into competition mode, he transforms into a laser-focused competitor.

“When I’m at the racetrack, I can just fully lock in,” Antonelli explained. “I am fully determined and passionate about this sport and what I do. When I drive, I am trying to do it by instinct.”

But his competitive fire isn’t limited to racing. Whether it’s paintball or bowling with friends, Antonelli admits he takes every challenge seriously. “I focus and get very competitive—I will barely even talk to my friends in that moment!”

The Seven-Year-Old Who Outsmarted Security

While most young drivers don’t get a taste of an F1 paddock until they reach Formula 3 or Formula 2, Antonelli got his first experience at just seven years old—albeit under unconventional circumstances. Without official accreditation, his father found a creative way to get him into the heart of the action at the 2014 German Grand Prix.

“I couldn’t get into the paddock because I was too little,” Antonelli recalled. “My dad decided to hide me inside a stack of tires and wheel me through on a trolley. We put an umbrella on top to make me harder to see!”

Once inside, a family friend managed to secure a proper pass, giving young Kimi a chance to soak in the atmosphere. “It was such a cool experience—but we always laugh at the story of the trolley,” he admitted.

Following in Senna’s Footsteps: The Significance of Number 12

Like many young racers, Antonelli idolized Ayrton Senna growing up. But his admiration for the Brazilian legend goes beyond simply appreciating his on-track brilliance.

“I always got really passionate when I saw videos of Senna,” Antonelli revealed. “Growing up, I would watch all the DVDs from the 1980s to the 2000s. When I saw Ayrton, it really stood out.”

Although he never had the chance to witness Senna’s magic live, Antonelli immersed himself in every piece of footage he could find. “I watched the documentary and the recent series too. He is my idol because of who he was off the track as well as on it. An incredible driver, but a great person too.”

Antonelli’s admiration for Senna is so deep that he has chosen to carry the number 12 on his Mercedes, the same number Senna used during his early years with Lotus between 1985 and 1987.

“It is also the number I first used in single-seaters,” Antonelli added. “From F4, I started to use 12 straight away, and it worked pretty well with that number. Hopefully, I can carry that on in F1.”

And history suggests he’s onto something—racing with #12, Antonelli dominated the Italian and German F4 championships in 2022 and followed that up by conquering the Formula Regional series in Europe and the Middle East in 2023. If past results are any indication, that number might just be a good omen.

A Homegrown Racer with a Global Ambition

Despite stepping onto the international stage, Antonelli remains deeply connected to his roots. When asked about his favorite circuits, he quickly pointed to the legendary tracks near his hometown.

“I really like Imola and Mugello. They are both great tracks,” he said. “Imola is about 30 minutes away from my home, and Mugello is about 50 minutes.”

But his love for racing extends beyond Italy. The first time he drove at Silverstone, he was blown away by the legendary circuit. “Going through Maggotts, Becketts, Chapel, and Stowe in an F1 car—it left me speechless,” he said.

Another track that left a lasting impression? Monaco. “The focus you need, especially on that single-lap pace, is incredible,” Antonelli added.

The Next Chapter in Mercedes’ Legacy

With his 2025 debut, Antonelli becomes only the sixth full-time driver for Mercedes since the team returned to Formula 1 in 2010. He follows in the footsteps of legendary names like Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton, and Valtteri Bottas.

As Mercedes looks to the future, the 18-year-old Antonelli represents a new chapter in the Silver Arrows’ storied legacy. And with his raw talent, deep respect for F1 history, and unwavering determination, he’s ready to write his own story—one that could very well see him join the ranks of the greats.

Now, the stage is set. The lights will go out in Melbourne, and the world will finally see what Kimi Antonelli is made of.

One thing’s for sure: this is just the beginning.

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