Kimi Antonelli has officially shifted into a higher gear. Given his talent and age, this evolution was only a matter of time. The Mercedes rookie is just 19 years old — he celebrated his birthday in August — which means his room for improvement is enormous. His performance in Brazil was close to flawless. “Almost” because, as Toto Wolff said, he did not take the victory, but in São Paulo he delivered the best weekend of his Formula 1 career so far.
Arriving in Las Vegas, a circuit where Mercedes famously secured a one-two finish two years ago, Kimi Antonelli once again showed a growing confidence with the W15. He ended Free Practice 2 in second place, right behind Lando Norris, in a session interrupted by yet another loose drain cover. The spotlight on him is becoming brighter each weekend, and a closer look at his driving style has revealed something very unusual that has not gone unnoticed.
Kimi Antonelli’s best Formula 1 weekend came in Brazil
For Kimi Antonelli, Formula 1 represented a completely new world this season. He did everything expected from a rising star, including experiencing natural highs and lows. After a promising debut, he produced flashes of brilliance — like his podium in Canada — followed by a spring and summer that were not always at the same level. Understandable for any 19-year-old.
Since Monza, however, the trajectory has been unmistakably positive. His results have climbed, and so has his position in the standings. Kimi Antonelli now has his sights set on the sixth place currently held by Lewis Hamilton, the very driver he replaced at Mercedes. Confidence is soaring after he finished second in the Sprint Qualifying, Sprint Race, the main Qualifying session and the Brazilian Grand Prix itself at Interlagos. Only Lando Norris, armed with a spectacular McLaren and openly targeting the Formula 1 World Championship, finished ahead of him.
Antonelli starts strong again with P2 in Las Vegas FP2
His Las Vegas weekend began just as well. Kimi Antonelli took second place in Free Practice 2, once again behind Norris. Qualifying, however, promises to be a different story. Max Verstappen will have one final opportunity to rejoin the fight at the front, while Charles Leclerc appears to have a Ferrari capable of dominating under the neon lights of the Strip.
During Sky’s live broadcast, analysts focused heavily on the young Italian and highlighted something fascinating about his technique. Kimi Antonelli positions the index finger of his right hand differently compared to the rest of the grid, creating a uniquely distinctive steering style. It is unmistakably “Kimi”—and considering the career trajectory that lies ahead of him, it would not be surprising if one day many young drivers copy the way he holds the steering wheel.
After Qualifying, he explained: “The first day in Las Vegas went well. I enjoyed learning the circuit lap after lap and I felt comfortable. We still have some work to do if we want to be at the front this weekend.”
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