Newly crowned F1 World Champion Kimi Antonelli recently reflected on his time competing in Formula 2, discussing the lessons he learned throughout his sole season in the championship, the challenges he faced and some of his favourite memories from the series.
After winning five championships over the course of three years across various junior single-seater categories, Antonelli made the step up to Formula 2 in 2024 with PREMA Racing. The Italian enjoyed a promising campaign, securing two victories and 12 top-10 finishes during his rookie and only season in the series before making the highly anticipated move to Formula 1.
Not a lot of track time prior to F2 season says Antonelli
Reflecting on the importance of his Formula 2 campaign, Antonelli explained how competing on the same weekends as Formula 1 allowed him to become familiar with the environment and demands of the sport. He also highlighted how the championship served as an important final step in his development before making the jump to the top level of motorsport.
“F2 was an extremely helpful year because, first of all, it was the last step before F1 and it was really good to be racing on the F1 weekends, getting used to different formats. So, I think, overall, F2 really helped me in terms of preparation and it was a really helpful year.”
The Italian also discussed one of the biggest challenges drivers face when entering Formula 2, pointing to the limited amount of testing and track time available throughout the season. With few opportunities to get comfortable with the car, Antonelli explained how important it was to adapt quickly, understand the car’s limits and make the most of every session from the beginning of a race weekend.
”The difficult thing about F2 is that you don’t have a lot of track time. So what it really taught me is trying to find the limit very early on because with such a little track time you need to keep pushing, trying to maximise every session. That’s the main thing.”
Two wins in F2 were Antonelli’s favourite moments with the team
Despite experiencing some difficult periods throughout his 2024 campaign, Antonelli was also able to celebrate two race victories with PREMA. Looking back on his time in the championship, the Italian singled out his wins at Silverstone and Budapest as memorable moments, highlighting the progress he and the team made as the season developed.
”My favourite moment is definitely the win in Silverstone and the win in Budapest. I think they were very special moments. We were having a difficult time, but with the team, together, we were able to improve from the start of the year to then achieve some wins. So those were definitely my favourite moments.”“
Antonelli’s relationship with PREMA extended beyond his Formula 2 campaign, having competed with the Italian team throughout several stages of his junior single-seater career. From his early days in Formula 4 to his final season with PREMA in Formula 2, the newly crowned F1 World Champion reflected on the close relationship he built with the team, praising the environment and the experiences he shared with its members away from the circuit.
”Off track – I was with PREMA from the start to the end. It was really cool to continue the journey with them from F4 to F2. We had a really good time as well away from track. So, I have fond memories of the team. Spending time with the engineers, did some fun activities with them, it was a very fun time. I always felt like at home when I was in PREMA.”
Graduating into F1
Antonelli spoke highly about the number of drivers who have progressed through the championship and secured opportunities in Formula 1. He praised the path Formula 2 provides for emerging talent, while expressing his enjoyment at being able to compete alongside several familiar faces on the Formula 1 grid.
”It’s really cool that so many drivers from F2 graduated into Formula 1 and it’s good to see, it’s good for the sport and it’s good also for all the upcoming drivers that are racing in Formula 2. I think it’s really cool and I’m really happy for all the other drivers who graduated and it’s really cool to be sharing the track with them in F1 as well.”
The Italian shared some advice for drivers currently competing in Formula 2 or preparing to make their debut in the series. Considering the highly competitive nature of the series and the difficulties that can arise over the course of a season, Antonelli advised upcoming drivers to continually push themselves and take full advantage of every opportunity they are given.
“In terms of advice for drivers there now, it’s an extremely competitive category. The level is very high and, at times it might be difficult. But, the only thing I can say is just to always keep pushing and always try to maximise every session.”
