Antonelli praises Ferrari as an incredible team but reaffirms total loyalty to Mercedes in F1
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian driver of Mercedes, ended his debut season in Fórmula 1 in seventh place in the 2025 drivers’ championship, with 150 points achieved. The freshman demonstrated regularity by scoring points in several races and reaching the podium on three occasions, including an outstanding second place in the Grande Prêmio of São Paulo. Apesar Despite the difficulties faced at times, he assessed the year as positive and highlighted personal and professional growth.
Antonelli expressed admiration for Ferrari, recognizing the team as one of the most iconic in the category. However, the driver reinforced his commitment to Mercedes, a team that has supported him since the youth categories. Ele said he was grateful for the opportunity and dreams of winning the world title wearing the silver colors.
- Ferrari has an immense tradition in Fórmula 1.
- Racing for the Italian team would be special for any driver from the country.
- Still, the current focus remains on Mercedes.
The 19-year-old Italian replaced Lewis Hamilton in the German team in 2025. Sua direct promotion to the main category, following results in Fórmula 2, generated high expectations.
Antonelli “No” alla Ferrari: “Sogno Mondiale in Mercedes!” 🏎️#kimiantonelli #MercedesAMG #ferrari #F1 pic.twitter.com/L2ceE5gWgV
—Motosport Passion (@Motorpassion16)December 17, 2025
Trajectory to Fórmula 1
Antonelli joined the Mercedes junior program in 2018, following a recommendation from Giancarlo Minardi to Toto Wolff. The German team identified its potential early and invested in its training since karting. Ele won championships at Fórmula 4 and Fórmula Regional before competing at Fórmula 2 in 2024.
Ferrari showed interest in the pilot between 2017 and 2018, during the management of Maurizio Arrivabene. Negociações to integrate him into the team’s academy did not move forward due to contractual restrictions and Antonelli’s young age at the time, who was only 12 years old. Mercedes took advantage of the opportunity and formalized the partnership soon after.
- The pilot jumped Fórmula 3 on his ascent.
- In 2024, he finished sixth in the Fórmula 2, behind the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto.
- Mercedes chose to promote him directly to F1, eliminating intermediate steps.
This decision reflects the team’s confidence in the Italian’s talent to fill the vacancy left by Hamilton.
Challenges in the debut season
The 2025 season has seen ups and downs for Antonelli. Ele faced notable incidents, such as the collision with Max Verstappen in Grande Prêmio of Áustria, which took the four-time champion out of the race. In the Grande Prêmio and Bélgica classification, the driver was eliminated early and showed emotion by crying on the radio.
Despite these difficult moments, Antonelli maintained consistency by scoring regularly. Ele achieved podiums on a variety of tracks, demonstrating quick adaptation to the challenges of the category. Second place in Interlagos highlighted his ability to fight in front positions.
Mercedes finished the constructors’ championship in second place, behind McLaren. George Russell, Antonelli’s teammate, contributed significantly to the team’s result.
Assessment and future perspectives
Antonelli considered the season positive overall. Ele recognized periods of lower performance, but emphasized overcoming as a growth factor. The pilot emerged stronger from negative cycles, which helped him mature quickly in Fórmula 1.
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, praised the young man’s maturity in the face of intense pressure. The leader favorably compared Antonelli’s attitude with his own youth, highlighting the ability to deal with high expectations.
- The Italian aims for better results in 2026.
- He expressed a desire to fight for victories and even the title.
- Mercedes renewed confidence in the pilot for next year.
With new technical regulations scheduled for 2026, Antonelli is preparing for a season of transition in the category.
Highlights in specific races
Grande Prêmio’s São Paulo marked one of the highlights of the season for Antonelli. Ele started at the front and maintained a solid position, finishing second after fending off attacks from experienced drivers. The test in Interlagos reinforced its competitiveness in varied conditions.
Other podiums included strong performances at circuits such as Canadá and Las Vegas. Essas achievements validated Mercedes’s bet on the freshman.
Antonelli also recorded fast laps and partial leads in selected races. Sua evolution throughout the year was evident in the second half of the championship.
Commitment to Mercedes
Antonelli reiterated his gratitude to Mercedes for all the support he received since the beginning of his career. Ele described the team as fundamental in his formation and expressed the main objective of being world champions alongside him.
Although he recognizes the appeal of the Ferrari for Italian pilots, the young man prioritizes the current project. Recent Declarações indicate total focus on preparing for 2026, with high ambitions in the category.
Mercedes invests in the continued development of Antonelli. The team sees in him the potential to lead the team in the coming years.
Antonelli ended 2025 with a positive result on his debut. Ele accumulates valuable experience for future challenges at Fórmula 1.
