18-year-old Kimi Antonelli will replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this season. A few weeks before the start of the season, he was not allowed to drive ordinary cars.
Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old driver who will replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton Mercedes in Formula 1 in 2025, has passed his driving test.
It marks a milestone for the young Italian, who can now add a civilian driving license to his growing list of achievements behind the wheel.
Antonelli has had a remarkable career so far, impressing in various junior classes and securing a place in Mercedes' junior program in 2019.
Since then, he has dominated Formula 4, won championships in Formula Regional and shown his talent in Formula 2.
These results paved the way for his Formula One debut, which will take place at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix in March.
He takes over from Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari . Antonelli will be the first Italian driver in Formula 1 since Antonio Giovinazzi retired in 2021.
At 18 years and 203 days, Antonelli becomes the third youngest driver in Formula 1 history. Only Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll were younger when they started their journey through the premier class of motorsport. By comparison, Kevin Magnussen was 21 years old when he got a seat at McLaren.
Before getting behind the wheel of his Formula 1 car, Antonelli will participate in the big season launch "F1 75 Live" in London on February 18th.
Here, all teams present their cars for the 2025 season.
Passing the driving test is a formality for Antonelli, but it is a symbolic step into adulthood and a reminder that he is now licensed to drive a car on public roads.
It's a contrast to his professional life, where he drives one of the most advanced – if not the most advanced – racing cars in the world.
With the driving test passed, Antonelli can now focus fully on his Formula 1 debut and preparations for the upcoming season.
Expectations are high for the young Italian, who is seen as one of the most promising talents in motorsport. Yet Mercedes has not been willing to give him a contract that on paper extends beyond the 2025 season.
