May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) waves to fans before the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Kimi Antonelli's strong rookie season is the highlight of F1 paddock!
May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) waves to fans before the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is going to witness their first home Hero in long time. Kimi Antonelli, who is a part of the 2025 F1 grid hails from the region of Imola. He will be met with high anticipation by fans and F1 experts alike. Since his arrival, Kimi Antonelli has easily adjusted himself into the F1 grid. He is a consistent top-5 finisher. Within six races, Kimi broke many records.
He is the youngest driver to score a point, lead a race and secure a pole position in Formula 1. The signs are pointing towards the fact that Antonelli might end up earning his first podium this season. Kimi Antonelli’s strong qualifying performance in Miami was a testament to his talent.
Verstappen and Norris on Antonelli: ‘Think we’ve fed his ego enough’:
— Andrea Kimi Antonelli continued to impress in Miami, earning praise from Max Verstappen and Lando Norris despite missing out on a second consecutive pole. Both drivers acknowledged the rookie’s rapid rise… pic.twitter.com/wG1zBZJ8qC
He was brought in as a replacement for Mercedes champion driver, Lewis Hamilton. But, even though he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders Antonelli has been able to get the best out of his new car. He has been faster than Hamilton at Ferrari many times. The drivers on the current grid are more than impressed with Kimi Antonelli’s performance.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris Shower Praise on F1 Rookie, Kimi Antonelli
He drove a magical race in Australia at his debut to bring in fourth place for Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli showed the entire paddock that he meant business when he was behind the steering wheel.
Since then, his accolades have been slowly piling up. Kimi Antonelli is already a crucial part of Mercedes. If not for his efforts, Mercedes would not be able to claim as many points as they have. Kimi’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Max Verstappen was quick to point out his talent and ability to adapt quickly.
“I’m not surprised. But again, when you just start in F1, there’s so much to learn and to already be at this pace is very impressive.”
Kimi Antonelli feels 'really lucky' to be working with an engineer like Bono 👇https://t.co/sSHDaHikHe#F1
Lando Norris added to Max’s words by analysing his performance compared to George Russell.
“He’s got a very good team mate that beat Lewis over the last couple of years. So, if he’s now able to beat that team mate, being George, then he’s clearly doing a very good job.”
Norris and Verstappen are both young achievers in F1. For them to praise Kimi is a grand moment for the young Italian. Till now, Antonelli has not given any chances to complain. Fans are hoping that he gets his first podium in F1 soon.
I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.
For me, online journalism was not something I expected. I am a Mechanical Engineer aiming to join Formula 1. At the same time, I am a poet, writer and my university's Literary Club Lead. One day the dots connected together and I realised I could use my writing skills to convey my passion for Motorsports.
The biggest aspects I love about my role are- Scuderia Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel. When I am not fawning over them I like to convey my opinions to the public, in a manner which helps them gain a new point of view. I love helping people explore new ideas about Motorsports and obviously get recognised as a writer all over the world.
Message to Readers: I promise you one day you'll see me managing operations on track with a Formula 1 team ; )
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