Kimi Antonelli’s race in Las Vegas offered a clear snapshot of his rapid growth in the final part of the season. The young Italian driver for Mercedes initially crossed the finish line in fifth position, penalized by five seconds for a minimal and almost imperceptible false start. The car was slightly tilted in its grid box, creating a microscopic movement that triggered the sanction.
Kimi Antonelli: 48 laps on the hard tyre and an extraordinary comeback
The driver from Bologna had started from seventeenth position after a qualifying session held in extremely wet conditions, made even more complicated by a track surface with virtually zero grip. Managing Q1 proved difficult for many drivers, especially for a rookie facing such conditions for the first time. His comeback in the race, however, showcased a consistent rhythm worthy of an increasingly mature competitor. The penalty had initially cost him fourth place, a position that was later returned due to post-race developments.
The disqualification of both McLarens—Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris—due to excessive plank wear reshaped the final classification after technical checks. Thanks to that regulatory intervention, Antonelli was promoted to third place. It was his third podium of the season, and his second in a row, further consolidating the upward trajectory he has shown over the last several races.
The key moment of his race came during lap two, when he pitted under the Virtual Safety Car. The almost free stop allowed Mercedes to commit to an alternative strategy built around managing the hard tyre. From that moment on, Kimi Antonelli maintained a steady pace without mistakes. The choice carried risks, but it paid off thanks to his ability to make the compound last all the way to the chequered flag.
Kimi: “Bad qualifying sessions? They’re experience”
The Italian completed an impressive 48 laps on the hard tyres, preserving them with remarkable attention and race awareness until the final kilometres. This tyre management proved to be one of the standout elements of his performance. Overall, the weekend confirmed the steady progress he has made in recent weeks. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances is an important sign for the future.
At the end of the race, before the revised classification was confirmed, Kimi Antonelli reacted to the events by saying: “I didn’t realise I had made a false start. It’s a shame, because it would have been two more points, but I’m still happy with my race. I told Max that I had finished fourth, yes. The strategy was risky, but I’m glad I managed to see it through,” he explained, also highlighting the positive relationship he has built with Max Verstappen.
Kimi later expanded on how the tyres behaved during the race: “In the middle of the race I was a bit worried about the graining on the inside of the front-right, but in the end it cleared up and I relaxed. The pace kept improving lap after lap; the only regret is starting that far back. I watched the replay after qualifying because I didn’t understand the lock-up, then I saw I had gone over a puddle. All experience.”
He also underlined the importance of the result for his team: “Today’s race showed what our potential is and, from that point of view, we can’t complain. The important thing is bringing home crucial points for the team,” he concluded. His words reflect the maturity he has gained over the last few months.
Wolff: “Kimi’s best race this year”
Team principal Toto Wolff emphasized the quality of the young driver’s performance: “For me it was Kimi’s best race. Climbing from seventeenth to fifth, with that level of tyre management, was fantastic. The relationship between him and George? They need to beat each other, but the relationship is very balanced and it’s normal for them to push one another.”
Now the focus shifts to the final two races of the season, with 2026—and its major regulatory changes—already looming in the background. Mercedes has always viewed 2025 as a transition year for Kimi Antonelli, an ideal environment to help him grow without excessive pressure. The progress shown in recent months, after the natural challenges of mid-season, indicates that the development path set by the team is producing concrete results. The solidity he showed in Las Vegas is an important building block for the future of the talented Italian.
With just Qatar and Abu Dhabi remaining, Kimi Antonelli’s late-season surge has been remarkable. Mercedes always viewed 2025 as a learning year ahead of the major regulation change in 2026, and the Italian’s composure under the Vegas lights proves the plan is working perfectly. The future looks incredibly bright for both driver and team.
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