Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rising star in Formula 1 and a driver in the Mercedes junior programme, recently received a powerful Mercedes AMG GT 63 S from the Stuttgart manufacturer. It was a symbolic gift to mark his entry among the elite in motorsport. Ironically, the 18-year-old from Bologna won’t be able to drive it on Italian roads for at least another three years.
The AMG GT 63 S is one of the most extreme sedans ever produced by Mercedes: a twin-turbo V8 engine with over 600 horsepower, 0–100 km/h in about three seconds, and a price well above 200,000 euros. A true gem for enthusiasts, and a statement of intent for a young talent already seen by many as a future star in the top category of motorsport.
A dream car… postponed for Kimi Antonelli
But in Italy, the regulations are clear: new drivers are not allowed to drive cars with a power-to-weight ratio higher than 70 kW/t (about 95 hp per ton) for three years. Even though Kimi Antonelli has extraordinary driving skills — as proven by his performances in junior formulas — the Italian Highway Code makes no exceptions, not even for those who race single-seaters on weekends.
The situation has sparked both irony and reflection among fans and professionals alike. It is, after all, curious that Kimi Antonelli can drive at over 300 km/h down straights on circuits around the world, yet must leave in the garage the car gifted to him by his team, because on paper, he is still “too young” to drive it on the road.
Beyond the anecdote, the episode reignites the debate about Italian laws for new drivers and their flexibility — or lack thereof — when it comes to exceptional professional profiles.
Kimi Antonelli, for his part, has taken the news in stride, staying focused on his path to Formula 1. In the meantime, his AMG GT 63 S will likely remain on display in the garage, ready to roar as soon as the law allows. For now, the only way he might enjoy it is through a track session… or a simulator.
Leave a Reply