Kimi Antonelli’s journey to becoming the youngest F1 World Champion in history began long before his breakthrough with Mercedes. From an early introduction to karting to championship-winning campaigns in F4 and Formula Regional, the Italian established himself as one of the most successful young drivers of his generation before taking an unconventional route into F2.
Born in Bologna on 25 August 2006, Antonelli developed a reputation for exceptional speed and consistency as he progressed through the junior motorsport ladder. He secured consecutive European karting titles before dominating Italian and German F4 in 2022, followed by another championship double in Formula Regional the following year. Those achievements eventually prompted Mercedes and PREMA Racing to bypass F3 entirely, sending him directly into F2 for 2024.
Although his final feeder-series campaign proved considerably more difficult than his earlier seasons, the experience contributed to his development ahead of his 2025 F1 debut. Following his historic 2026 Drivers’ Championship triumph, Antonelli’s rise offers an opportunity to examine the achievements, setbacks and decisions that shaped his progression through junior single-seater racing.
Karting | Early beginnings and introduction to competition
Antonelli’s introduction to motorsport came through his father, Marco Antonelli, a former touring car and GT driver who established the racing operation now known as AKM Motorsport. Growing up in a family closely involved in racing provided the young Italian with early exposure to the sport, although his competitive career began in karting.
He first drove a kart at approximately five years old before progressing into organised competition. By 2015, Antonelli had established himself in the Easykart 60 category, securing the Italian Trophy and Easykart International Grand Final. His international victory proved particularly impressive, as he recovered from 21st on the grid to win the final.
Antonelli subsequently progressed through the 60 Mini category, competing against increasingly experienced drivers in national and international championships. During 2016 and 2017, he accumulated podium finishes and race victories while developing his racecraft.
His results improved further in 2018, when he secured victories in the WSK Champions Cup, South Garda Winter Cup and ROK Cup International Final. Those achievements attracted greater attention from professional motorsport organisations, eventually leading to his recruitment into the Mercedes junior development programme at the age of 12.
Karting | International success establishes Antonelli’s reputation
Antonelli entered OK-Junior competition in 2019, taking another important step towards the highest levels of international karting. The category featured several drivers who would later progress into professional single-seater racing, including future rivals from F4 and Formula Regional.
Competing with the Rosberg Racing Academy, Antonelli secured multiple titles during an exceptional campaign. He won the WSK Super Master Series, WSK Euro Series, WSK Open Cup and WSK Final Cup, alongside the Italian Championship and South Garda Winter Cup.
However, his performances in FIA competition proved particularly significant. Antonelli finished runner-up to Marcus Amand in the European OK-Junior Championship, winning the final round at Le Mans, before finishing fifth at the World Championship.
The results demonstrated his ability to compete consistently at international level, while his championship record strengthened Mercedes’ confidence in his long-term development.
By the end of 2019, Antonelli had established himself among the most accomplished drivers in junior karting. His next challenge would involve moving into the senior OK category, where stronger competition and more demanding machinery awaited.
Karting | Consecutive European titles in 2020 and 2021
Antonelli progressed into senior OK karting in 2020, making an immediate impression despite his relative lack of experience. He won two of the three FIA European Championship finals, securing the title ahead of Taylor Barnard and becoming the youngest driver to win the senior OK European crown.
The campaign also brought success in the WSK Euro Series and Italian Championship. However, Antonelli suffered a serious setback at the World Championship in Portimão, where a wet-weather accident left him with fractures to his left tibia and a metatarsal.
Despite the injury, he returned to defend his European title in 2021. Antonelli won three of the four championship finals, ultimately securing the crown at Zuera ahead of Rafael Câmara and Arvid Lindblad in the standings.
His performances reinforced his reputation as one of karting’s outstanding young talents. Meanwhile, the recovery from injury provided another important experience before he entered car racing.
Karting results and accomplishments
- 2015 Easykart Italian Trophy: 1st, champion.
- 2015 Easykart International Grand Final: 1st, one final victory and podium.
- 2019 FIA European OK-Junior Championship: 2nd, one final victory and one podium.
- 2019 FIA World OK-Junior Championship: 5th.
- 2020 FIA European OK Championship: 1st, champion with two final victories and three podium finishes across three rounds.
- 2021 FIA European OK Championship: 1st, champion with three final victories and three podium finishes across four rounds.
- Additional achievements: Multiple WSK titles, including the 2019 OK-Junior Super Master Series and Euro Series, and the 2020 senior OK Euro Series.
The FIA European Championship win and podium figures above refer to championship finals only, not qualifying heats or Antonelli’s entire karting career.
Italian F4 | Antonelli makes single-seater debut in 2021
Antonelli made his competitive single-seater debut in September 2021, joining PREMA Racing for the final three rounds of the Italian F4 Championship. Having turned 15 shortly before his first appearance, he entered a category that presented substantially different demands from karting.
The transition required Antonelli to adapt to heavier machinery, aerodynamic downforce and more complex braking techniques. Working with engineers also became increasingly important, particularly as he began understanding how setup changes influenced the car’s behaviour.
Despite entering the championship midway through the season, Antonelli quickly demonstrated his potential. His strongest results came during the Monza finale, where he secured three podium finishes and challenged drivers who had considerably more experience in the category.
Although his limited programme prevented him from competing for the championship, his performances provided an encouraging foundation for the following season. Antonelli also began developing a strong relationship with PREMA, which would continue throughout the remainder of his junior single-seater career.
2021 Italian F4 results and accomplishments
- Team: PREMA Racing
- Races: 9
- Wins: 0
- Podiums: 3
- Pole positions: 0
- Championship points: 54
- Championship position: 10th
Formula 4 UAE | Valuable winter preparation
Antonelli continued gaining single-seater experience through the Formula 4 UAE Championship, initially contesting a non-championship Trophy Round in December 2021 before returning for selected rounds of the 2022 season.
The programme allowed him to accumulate additional mileage while becoming more familiar with F4 machinery. Unlike his Italian debut, Antonelli entered the winter competition with experience of racing against established single-seater competitors.
His 2022 campaign began particularly strongly at Yas Marina, where he won the opening two races. Antonelli also secured another two podium finishes during the same weekend, establishing himself among the leading competitors despite his limited schedule.
He subsequently added another second-place finish in Dubai, bringing his podium total to five across eight starts. Although his partial programme prevented him from mounting a sustained championship challenge, the experience provided valuable preparation for his full European campaigns.
The additional running also allowed Antonelli to continue developing his relationship with PREMA’s engineering personnel, particularly in understanding tyre management and qualifying preparation.
Formula 4 UAE results and accomplishments
- 2021 Trophy Round: 0 wins, 1 podium, 3rd in the standalone event.
- 2022 championship team: PREMA Racing / Abu Dhabi Racing by PREMA
- 2022 races: 8
- Wins: 2
- Podiums: 5
- Pole positions: 1
- Championship points: 117
- Championship position: 8th
Italian F4 | Antonelli dominates during first full season
Antonelli returned to Italian F4 for his first complete championship campaign in 2022, remaining with PREMA Racing. Having demonstrated his potential during the previous year, he entered the season with considerably greater experience and an opportunity to compete for the Drivers’ title.
His opponents included Alex Dunne, Rafael Câmara, Charlie Wurz and Ugo Ugochukwu, providing a competitive field of emerging single-seater talents. However, Antonelli quickly established himself as the championship’s leading contender through a combination of impressive qualifying performances and consistent race results.
His performances proved particularly significant given the closely contested nature of F4 racing, where slipstreaming and narrow performance differences can make sustained dominance difficult.
Nevertheless, Antonelli regularly separated himself from his rivals, combining outright speed with effective race management. As the championship progressed, he accumulated victories while limiting the impact of difficult weekends, gradually extending his advantage over Dunne.
The campaign also demonstrated his ability to adapt to different circuits and racing conditions, reinforcing the technical and competitive progress he had made since entering cars.
Italian F4 | Record-breaking season concludes at Mugello
Antonelli completed his 2022 Italian F4 campaign with a dominant performance at Mugello, securing all three victories during the final weekend. The result confirmed the Drivers’ Championship and established a new record for the greatest number of victories in a single season.
His performances also contributed to PREMA securing the Teams’ Championship, completing a successful campaign for the Italian outfit.
Antonelli ultimately finished 104 points ahead of Dunne, demonstrating a substantial competitive advantage over one of his strongest rivals. His record of 13 victories across 20 races reinforced his reputation as an exceptional young driver and provided further evidence that he was ready to progress beyond F4.
The championship represented his first major title in single-seater racing, although it would not be his only success during 2022.
2022 Italian F4 results and accomplishments
- Team: PREMA Racing
- Races: 20
- Wins: 13
- Podiums: 15
- Pole positions: 14
- Fastest laps: 14
- Championship points: 362
- Championship position: 1st, Drivers’ Champion
- Additional accomplishments: Record 13 victories, Rookie title and contribution to PREMA’s Teams’ Championship.
ADAC F4 | A second championship challenge in Germany
Alongside Italian F4, Antonelli competed in the 2022 ADAC F4 Championship, again representing PREMA Racing. The additional programme introduced different circuits and competitors, requiring him to maintain his performances across two demanding European schedules.
Antonelli began the German championship with two victories at Spa-Francorchamps, immediately establishing himself as a leading contender. He subsequently dominated the following round at Hockenheim, winning all three races and becoming the first driver since Dennis Hauger in 2019 to achieve a clean sweep at the circuit.
Although PREMA elected not to contest the Lausitzring weekend, Antonelli maintained a substantial championship advantage. His consistent performances allowed him to remain ahead of Taylor Barnard, who emerged as his closest rival during the closing rounds.
Antonelli eventually secured the title at the Nürburgring, becoming the first Italian driver to win the ADAC F4 Championship. The achievement completed an impressive double and reinforced his status as one of the strongest junior single-seater prospects competing in Europe.
2022 ADAC F4 results and accomplishments
- Team: PREMA Racing
- Races: 15
- Wins: 9
- Podiums: 12
- Pole positions: 7
- Championship points: 313
- Championship position: 1st, Drivers’ Champion
- Additional accomplishments: First Italian ADAC F4 champion, three victories during the Hockenheim weekend and contribution to PREMA’s Teams’ Championship.
FIA Motorsport Games | Antonelli adds international gold medal
Antonelli concluded his remarkable 2022 campaign by representing Italy in the Formula 4 Cup at the FIA Motorsport Games at Circuit Paul Ricard.
The competition introduced another distinctive challenge, with drivers representing their respective countries while competing in identical KCMG F4 machinery.
Although Antonelli suffered a wrist injury during the weekend, he continued competing and produced a dominant performance in the main race. Starting from pole position, the Italian controlled the contest and secured victory ahead of Portugal’s Manuel Espírito Santo and Spain’s Bruno del Pino.
His success contributed to Italy winning the overall medal table, adding another significant achievement to a season already defined by championship success.
2022 FIA Motorsport Games F4 Cup results and accomplishments
- Team: Italy
- Final races: 1
- Wins: 1
- Podiums: 1
- Pole positions: 1
- Finishing position: 1st, Gold Medal
- Additional accomplishment: Contributed to Italy’s overall victory at the FIA Motorsport Games.
Formula Regional Middle East | Antonelli adapts to more powerful machinery
Antonelli began 2023 in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, joining Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited for the winter campaign.
The category represented a considerable step up from F4, introducing greater aerodynamic downforce and more powerful machinery. Consequently, Antonelli needed to adjust his driving approach while competing against drivers with previous Formula Regional experience.
Despite those challenges, he established himself among the leading contenders during the opening rounds. Antonelli secured three second-place finishes before recording his first victory during the second Kuwait weekend, demonstrating his ability to accumulate championship points while adapting to unfamiliar machinery.
His performances subsequently strengthened, with further victories allowing him to establish a substantial advantage over Barnard.
Unlike his dominant F4 campaigns, Antonelli needed to rely more heavily on consistency during the early stages. However, his ability to maximise results before establishing outright superiority proved important to securing the championship.
2023 Formula Regional Middle East results and accomplishments
- Team: Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited
- Races: 15
- Wins: 3
- Podiums: 7
- Pole positions: 3
- Championship points: 192
- Championship position: 1st, Drivers’ Champion
- Championship margin: 40 points ahead of Taylor Barnard.
FRECA | Stronger competition awaits in European championship
Following his Middle East success, Antonelli returned to PREMA Racing for the 2023 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA).
The championship provided another important challenge, with a field featuring several highly regarded drivers, including Martinius Stenshorne, Tim Tramnitz and Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara.
Unlike his previous F4 campaigns, Antonelli did not immediately establish a dominant advantage. Although he secured three second-place finishes during the opening rounds, his first victory did not arrive until Spa-Francorchamps.
The increased competition required him to demonstrate greater patience and consistency, particularly when rivals possessed stronger pace during individual weekends.
However, Antonelli subsequently built momentum, securing further victories at Mugello, Circuit Paul Ricard and Monza. His performances allowed him to establish a championship advantage over Stenshorne, who remained a consistent threat throughout the campaign.
The season consequently provided another important learning opportunity, forcing Antonelli to balance attacking for victories with maximising championship points during difficult weekends.
FRECA | Zandvoort performance secures another championship
Antonelli secured the 2023 FRECA title during the penultimate round at Zandvoort, producing one of the standout performances of his junior single-seater career.
Starting eighth in difficult wet conditions, the Italian rapidly progressed through the field before taking the lead and establishing a substantial advantage over his rivals.
The victory confirmed the championship with two races remaining, extending his impressive title-winning record across F4 and Formula Regional.
Antonelli concluded the season with five victories and 11 podium finishes, finishing 39 points ahead of Stenshorne. He also contributed to PREMA securing another Teams’ Championship, reinforcing his importance to the Italian outfit’s programme.
2023 FRECA results and accomplishments
- Team: PREMA Racing
- Races: 20
- Wins: 5
- Podiums: 11
- Pole positions: 4
- Fastest laps: 5
- Championship points: 300
- Championship position: 1st, Drivers’ Champion
- Championship margin: 39 points ahead of Martinius Stenshorne
- Additional accomplishments: Title secured at Zandvoort with one round remaining; contribution to PREMA’s Teams’ Championship.
Bypassing F3 | Mercedes accelerates Antonelli’s progression
Having secured four major championship titles across 2022 and 2023, Antonelli appeared ready to graduate into FIA F3.
However, Mercedes and PREMA elected to bypass the championship entirely, promoting the Italian directly into F2 for the 2024 season. The decision represented an unusual route through the established junior single-seater pathway, which generally takes drivers from F4 through Formula Regional and F3 before reaching F2.
The accelerated progression reflected Antonelli’s exceptional results, but it also introduced substantial challenges. F2 machinery possessed considerably more power than the Formula Regional car, while the championship required drivers to manage complex tyre strategies, pit stops and limited track time.
Furthermore, the introduction of a new Dallara F2 chassis for 2024 meant that Antonelli would need to understand unfamiliar machinery while competing against drivers with previous experience in the category.
Mercedes nevertheless believed that the more demanding environment could accelerate his development, particularly after his success across different championships during the previous two seasons.
The decision also reflected growing confidence in Antonelli’s long-term potential. His achievements in F4 and Formula Regional had already demonstrated that he could adapt quickly to different machinery and competitive environments.
F2 | A difficult introduction with PREMA Racing
Antonelli joined PREMA Racing for the 2024 F2 Championship, partnering fellow F1 prospect Oliver Bearman.
Expectations were considerable following his success in F4 and Formula Regional. However, his introduction proved more challenging than his previous single-seater campaigns, with PREMA struggling to consistently extract competitive performance from the championship’s new Dallara machinery.
Antonelli also faced the additional challenge of adapting directly from Formula Regional. The increased power, different tyre characteristics and limited preparation time required him to develop new approaches to qualifying and racing.
Although he regularly finished in the points, podium positions initially remained beyond his reach. Meanwhile, competitors such as Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Paul Aron established themselves among the leading championship contenders.
Nevertheless, Antonelli gradually improved his understanding of the car while developing a stronger relationship with PREMA’s engineers.
The season represented an important departure from his earlier campaigns, as he could no longer rely on consistent victories to demonstrate his potential. Instead, he needed to manage difficult weekends and maximise opportunities when the machinery allowed him to compete.
F2 | Silverstone provides breakthrough victory
Antonelli’s first F2 victory arrived during the 2024 British GP weekend, where he produced an impressive performance in the Sprint Race at Silverstone.
Starting from the front of the reversed grid, the Italian faced extremely difficult conditions as heavy rain affected the circuit. However, he maintained his composure through several interruptions, demonstrating confidence and precision while his rivals struggled with limited visibility and reduced grip.
Antonelli eventually secured his maiden F2 victory, finishing almost nine seconds ahead of Zane Maloney.
The result provided an important breakthrough following PREMA’s difficult opening half of the campaign. More significantly, it demonstrated Antonelli’s ability to deliver a competitive performance under pressure, particularly in conditions that required exceptional car control.
His success also recalled the wet-weather performances he had produced during his earlier career, including his championship-winning drive at Zandvoort in Formula Regional.
Although the victory could not erase his previous difficulties, it provided clear evidence of his progress in F2 machinery.
F2 | Budapest confirms Antonelli’s development
Antonelli strengthened his F2 record during the following round in Budapest, securing his maiden Feature Race victory at the Hungaroring.
Unlike Silverstone, the Hungarian race required him to manage a complex strategic contest involving tyre degradation, Safety Car periods and changing track positions.
Antonelli started on the harder tyre compound before benefiting from the timing of a Safety Car, allowing him to switch to soft tyres for the closing stages.
He subsequently used the tyre advantage to progress through the field, eventually securing victory ahead of Victor Martins and Richard Verschoor.
Although the strategy provided an important opportunity, Antonelli still needed to execute several overtakes while managing the remaining laps.
The result demonstrated a different aspect of his development from Silverstone. While his first victory highlighted car control in difficult weather conditions, Budapest required patience, strategic awareness and effective race execution.
Together, the two performances strengthened Mercedes’ confidence in his ability to compete against experienced drivers despite skipping F3.
F2 | Final feeder-series campaign provides valuable lessons
Despite securing two victories, Antonelli’s 2024 F2 season remained inconsistent as PREMA continued struggling to challenge the leading teams.
Nevertheless, he demonstrated significant potential during individual races, including a memorable wet-weather overtake on Franco Colapinto at Spa-Francorchamps.
Antonelli also continued developing his understanding of qualifying, tyre management and race strategy, gaining experience that would become particularly important when he graduated into F1.
His campaign ended earlier than planned when illness prevented him from competing in the Abu Dhabi finale. He consequently finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, having secured two victories and three podium finishes from 26 starts.
Following his eventual F1 World Championship triumph, Antonelli reflected on the lessons he learned during his F2 campaign, particularly the importance of adapting quickly to unfamiliar machinery and maximising limited track time.
2024 F2 results and accomplishments
- Team: PREMA Racing
- Races: 26
- Wins: 2
- Podiums: 3
- Pole positions: 0
- Fastest laps: 4
- Championship points: 113
- Championship position: 6th
- Race victories: Silverstone Sprint Race and Budapest Feature Race
- Additional accomplishment: Secured a full-time Mercedes F1 seat for 2025.
F1 | Mercedes confirms Antonelli’s promotion
Antonelli’s progression towards F1 accelerated during 2024 following Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. The departure created an opportunity within the team, prompting speculation about whether Antonelli could secure the vacant seat despite his limited F2 experience.
Mercedes subsequently increased his preparation through private testing programmes using previous F1 machinery. Antonelli gained experience of the increased power, aerodynamic demands and technical complexity before making his official F1 practice debut at Monza.
Although an early crash curtailed his FP1 appearance, Mercedes remained confident in his potential and confirmed his promotion for 2025.
The announcement completed an extraordinary progression through the junior racing categories. Having made his single-seater debut in 2021, Antonelli had reached F1 after only one complete season in F2 and without competing in F3.
F1 | Rookie season provides another opportunity to develop
Antonelli made his full-time F1 debut with Mercedes at the 2025 Australian GP, partnering George Russell.
The Italian faced substantial expectations, particularly given the speed of his progression through the junior categories and the significance of replacing Hamilton.
Although he demonstrated promising pace during the opening rounds, his rookie season included several difficult weekends as he adapted to more sophisticated machinery and stronger competition.
Nevertheless, Antonelli secured his maiden F1 podium at the Canadian GP and accumulated three podium finishes across the campaign.
He concluded the season seventh in the Drivers’ Championship with 150 points, establishing a foundation for further development.
The season reflected several challenges he had already encountered during his F2 campaign. Both categories required Antonelli to adapt quickly while managing limited track time, complex race strategies and considerable external expectations.
2025 F1 results and accomplishments
- Team: Mercedes
- Grands Prix: 24
- Wins: 0
- Podiums: 3
- Pole positions: 0
- Championship points: 150
- Championship position: 7th
- Additional accomplishment: Maiden F1 podium at the Canadian GP.
F1 | Historic 2026 championship completes remarkable rise
Antonelli’s second F1 season brought a remarkable transformation, with the Italian emerging as the championship’s leading contender.
He secured his maiden Grand Prix victory at the Chinese GP before establishing a commanding advantage through a series of consistent performances.
His achievements reflected the speed and adaptability that had characterised his strongest junior racing campaigns, while his growing experience allowed him to manage the technical and competitive demands of F1 more effectively.
A third-place finish at the 2026 Mexico City GP subsequently secured the Drivers’ Championship, making Antonelli the youngest World Champion in F1 history.
The result also made him the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953, completing a journey that began in karting more than a decade earlier.
2026 F1 results and accomplishments — through Mexico City
- Team: Mercedes
- Grands Prix: 19
- Wins: 9
- Podiums: 16
- Pole positions: 7
- Championship points: 380
- Championship position: 1st, World Drivers’ Champion
- Additional accomplishments: Youngest F1 World Champion in history and first Italian champion since 1953.
A feeder-series career defined by success and adaptability
Antonelli’s progression through the junior single-seater categories stands out not only because of the championships he won, but also because of the different challenges he encountered throughout his development.
His karting career established his ability to compete against the strongest emerging drivers internationally, while his 2022 F4 campaigns demonstrated exceptional consistency across two demanding championships.
Formula Regional subsequently required him to adapt to more powerful machinery and increasingly competitive opposition, resulting in another championship double during 2023.
However, his 2024 F2 campaign provided an equally important stage in his development. Having dominated much of his earlier career, Antonelli encountered a championship where technical difficulties and stronger competition prevented him from regularly challenging for victories.
His eventual success at Silverstone and Budapest demonstrated his ability to overcome those challenges, providing valuable experience before his promotion to F1.
Antonelli’s career therefore illustrates the importance of developing adaptability alongside outright speed. From karting to F4, Formula Regional and F2, the experiences he accumulated throughout the junior ladder contributed to his development long before he secured the 2026 F1 World Championship.
