Breaking: Kimi Antonelli Renews Contract with Mercedes

19-year-old Italian driver, Kimi Antonelli, has renewed his contract with the Mercedes Formula 1 team. 

(Image credits to Kim Illman)

The renewal comes after months of silence on both Kimi’s future in Formula 1 and his future with Mercedes. 

Antontelli was announced to be driving for Mercedes in his Formula 1 debut season in 2025 at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix when he drove the Mercedes in a Formula 1 practice session. His previous contract was only on a one-year basis, with team principal Toto Wolff wanting to see Kimi’s ability in Formula 1 before committing long-term.

Kimi's season started very well; he became the youngest ever pole sitter after setting the fastest lap in the Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race. From here, his results stagnated a little bit; the car became somewhat unreliable, as well as making mistakes and misjudgments typical for a driver in their rookie season. 

This triggered much discourse between fans and journalists regarding rumours and about where Kimi’s future in the sport would lie. A popular theory stated that Kimi may lose his seat to Carlos Sainz, with the young Italian then driving for Williams. 

All of that has been put to a stop after Mercades announced that Antontelli will be driving for them next year, along with George Russell.   

Talking about his renewal, Kimi said, “I’m super excited to be continuing with the team. I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones.  

Article written by Isa Charlton