With five rookies on the grid, 2025 could have started with a bang. Instead, they’ve shown a maturity almost befitting veterans. This is especially true for Kimi Antonelli who, according to Toto Wolff, has handled the opening part of his first F1 season with great composure.
Mercedes began investing in the 2006-born driver several years ago, preparing him for his entry into F1. His moment arrived this year after Lewis Hamilton decided to leave the team to pursue his Ferrari dream.
Many expected a “slow” start from Antonelli, giving him time to adapt to the new car. But from the very first races, the Italian delivered important results for the team.
Driver #12 finished fourth in Australia, sixth in China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, and eleventh in Bahrain—his only race outside the points. In qualifying, Kimi Antonelli struggled only at Albert Park, where he ended well outside the top ten.
Otherwise, he has consistently remained within the top ten. Sure, he’s still behind his teammate, but the Italian seems to have all the tools to close the gap soon.
In race conditions, Antonelli has made just one small mistake—during his debut in the challenging environment of the Australian circuit. Still, he recovered to claim fourth place. In the drivers’ standings, the Mercedes driver sits sixth with 38 points, seven ahead of Lewis Hamilton behind him.
Reflecting on the 18-year-old’s progress, Toto Wolff said he’s pleased to see that Kimi Antonelli has so far avoided any reckless behavior. “It’s a good point to emphasize—to sum up the first five events and his current position. I’m really pleased,” Wolff told the media.
“He’s on the right path, there have been no kamikaze moves, and he’s been steadily learning throughout the weekends. He’s always very quick by the end of the weekend and seems to have the car under control. He knows how to manage the tires and is 100% on track.”
“The European season starts soon. He doesn’t know Miami, but from there we’ll get a clearer picture in this more natural environment of tracks he’s familiar with, and he’ll find the right performance—but I’m happy,” concluded the Mercedes team principal, who spoke only positively about Kimi Antonelli’s start to the season.
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