Kimi Antonelli: The Behind-the-Scenes Story That Changed Everything Comes to Light
Kimi Antonelli is one step away from fulfilling a dream that, until recently, seemed like pure fantasy for Italian motorsport, which hasn’t celebrated a Formula 1 world champion born and raised in Italy since way back in 1953 (Alberto Ascari, on his way to his second title, driving for Ferrari). The Mercedes prodigy, who has had an extraordinary season, is just two points away from clinching the title at only 20 years old following his victory in Austin, but behind his rise lies a lesser-known story that helps explain the reason for such a rapid rise to prominence.
This story was revealed by several Mercedes executives, who, speaking to ‘The Athletic,’ recounted the steps that led Antonelli to become who he is today. The well-known story is that the Brackley team had already identified his potential when he was competing in karting and welcomed him into its youth program in 2018. From that moment on, however, behind-the-scenes work began that went far beyond driving on the track.
Gwen Lagrue, the long-time head of the Mercedes youth academy, confirmed that the German team has always focused more on the human aspect than on the technical one. “The goal was to support the young driver’s development in every respect—from physical and mental conditioning to his relationship with the press and managing the pressures typical of someone labeled a future champion,” she said, revealing a much more in-depth effort to foster Kimi’s growth in the world of racing.
The real story lies in this support structure built around Antonelli since his Formula 4 days. Mercedes provided him with trainers, mentors, and role models capable of guiding him on a path of gradual growth. The system proved crucial even during the most delicate moments of his young career, when results were lacking and he was already beginning to feel the very first pressures—even though Formula 1 was still quite a ways off.
Even after his arrival in the top open-wheel series, Mercedes’ approach was crucial in preventing Antonelli from burning out. In 2025, his rookie season in Formula 1, the Italian driver went through a difficult stretch midway through the season (three retirements and three finishes outside the points between Imola and Zandvoort), and his confidence in his own abilities seemed to waver. It was precisely during those moments that the team’s support—along with that of his family—proved crucial in helping him regain his composure.
In this regard, Mercedes attributes a significant portion of Antonelli’s progress to the constant presence of his father, Marco, and the collaboration established with the driver’s entire entourage. This approach has created a supportive yet competitive environment—essential for a young man who has had to face enormous expectations from a very young age.
Today, that effort is yielding exceptional results. Antonelli is getting closer and closer to making Formula 1 history, but those who know him assure us that success hasn’t changed him. And this, according to Mercedes, is the most important sign: behind his results lies not only extraordinary talent, but a long journey of growth built on patience, balance, and attention to detail.
