Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes F1's Rising Italian Driver

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is an Italian Formula 1 driver racing for Mercedes. Born on 25 August 2006 in Bologna, Italy, Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019 and progressed rapidly through karting and junior single-seater categories.

His junior career included championship titles in Italian and ADAC Formula 4, Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional European Championship before moving into Formula 2 in 2024.

Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes F1

Mercedes confirmed Antonelli alongside George Russell for its 2026 driver line-up. The 2026 season is Antonelli's second full Formula 1 season with the team.

His move to Mercedes followed the departure of Lewis Hamilton at the end of the 2024 season. Antonelli made his Formula 1 debut for Mercedes at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.

Kimi Antonelli's 2026 F1 Season

The 2026 season has been a significant year in Antonelli's Formula 1 career.

According to the current official F1 driver statistics, Antonelli has:

• 292 championship points
• 8 Grand Prix victories
• 12 podiums
• 6 pole positions
• 12 top-10 finishes
• 1 Grand Prix DNF
• 1 Sprint victory
• 2 Sprint podiums

He is currently listed 1st in the 2026 Drivers' Championship on the official F1 website.

The official race results show victories in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, Monaco, Belgium, Italy and Spain during the 2026 season so far.

2026 statistics are time-sensitive and can change after each race.

From Karting to Formula 1

Antonelli's racing journey started at a young age.

Mercedes identified his potential during his karting career, and he joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019. He went on to win major karting titles before progressing into Formula 4.

His junior career included:

2019 — WSK Euro Series and Super Master Series titles in OK Junior.

2020 — FIA Karting European Championship and WSK Euro Series.

2022 — Italian and German Formula 4 championships.

2023 — Formula Regional Middle East and European championships.

2024 — Formula 2 with PREMA Racing.

2025 — Mercedes Formula 1 debut.

This progression made Antonelli one of the notable young drivers to emerge through the Mercedes development system.

Kimi Antonelli's Racing Number

Antonelli races with number 12 in Formula 1.

The number has become closely associated with his Mercedes F1 identity and appears on his car, helmet and racing equipment.

Kimi Antonelli Racing Style

Antonelli's career reflects the traditional motorsport pathway from karting through junior single-seaters and ultimately Formula 1.

His progression demonstrates the importance of:

• Karting experience
• Racecraft
• Qualifying performance
• Technical feedback
• Simulator preparation
• Physical training
• Consistency
• Adaptation to different cars and regulations

His 2026 Mercedes campaign has added another major chapter to that progression.

Kimi Antonelli F1 Racing Apparel

Kimi Antonelli has also become a popular name among Formula 1 and Mercedes fans.

At Apex Karting Gear, fans can explore Kimi Antonelli-inspired racing apparel, including F1-style racing suits, jackets, shirts and other motorsport clothing.

These products are designed for fanwear, collection and motorsport fashion and should not be confused with FIA-certified protective racewear.

Why Fans Follow Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli's story combines several elements that make his career interesting to motorsport fans:

• Italian motorsport heritage
• Mercedes Junior Programme development
• Karting background
• Rapid progression through junior categories
• Formula 1 debut at a young age
• Mercedes F1 connection
• 2026 race victories and podiums
• Number 12 racing identity

His continued Formula 1 career provides another chapter in Mercedes' long-term driver-development programme.

Kimi Antonelli at Apex Karting Gear

Explore Apex Karting Gear's motorsport collection for F1 racing suits, Mercedes-inspired apparel, racing jackets, karting suits, karting gloves and racing shoes.

Whether you're a collector, motorsport enthusiast or F1 fan, Kimi Antonelli's journey from karting to Formula 1 provides plenty of inspiration for racing culture and apparel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kimi Antonelli?

Kimi Antonelli is an Italian Formula 1 driver competing for Mercedes. He was born in Bologna, Italy, in 2006.

What number does Kimi Antonelli use?

Kimi Antonelli races with number 12.

Which F1 team does Kimi Antonelli drive for?

He drives for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.

When did Kimi Antonelli make his F1 debut?

Antonelli made his Formula 1 race debut with Mercedes at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.

How many F1 wins does Kimi Antonelli have in 2026?

The official F1 statistics currently list 8 Grand Prix wins in the 2026 season.