Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes' Young Star Explained
Quick answer: Andrea Kimi Antonelli is an Italian Formula 1 driver for Mercedes, born in Bologna in 2006. He debuted in 2025 as Lewis Hamilton's replacement, races with number 12, and was leading the 2026 world championship heading into the final third of the season.
Fast facts
| Full name | Andrea Kimi Antonelli |
| Born | 2006, Bologna, Italy |
| Team | Mercedes AMG Petronas |
| Number | 12 |
| F1 debut | 2025 Australian Grand Prix |
| Teammate | George Russell |
From junior to Mercedes
Antonelli joined the Mercedes junior programme as a child karter and won titles in Italian and German F4 and in Formula Regional. Mercedes was confident enough to skip a long apprenticeship: after one season of Formula 2 he was chosen to replace Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari.
Early records
In 2025 Antonelli became the youngest driver to take pole for any F1 session, for the Miami sprint, and took his first podium in Canada. In 2026, with the new rules suiting Mercedes, he moved to the front of the championship, ahead of his teammate Russell. Standings change race by race, so check the latest results.
The number 12
Antonelli's 12 is a nod to Ayrton Senna, who made the number famous in the 1980s. Read the full story of driver numbers in F1 driver numbers explained, and Senna's legacy in Ayrton Senna's legacy.
Antonelli merchandise
Mercedes merchandise is made by adidas from 2026. Antonelli's driver cap comes in white, blue and black, and his number and name appear across the Antonelli collection.
Antonelli Cap, White
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Antonelli Cap, Blue
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Antonelli Cap, Black
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Mercedes Authentic Driver Tee
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Choosing between Mercedes shirts? Read Mercedes authentic vs replica.
FAQ
How old is Kimi Antonelli?
He was born in 2006, making him one of the youngest drivers on the grid.
Why is he called Kimi?
Kimi is his middle name. He is Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and he goes by Kimi.
What number does Antonelli race with?
Number 12.
