HINCHCLIFFE: Mercedes took a huge gamble on 18-year-old rookie Antonelli – but he already looks like the real deal
It was one of the most stunning driver announcements in recent memory. A childhood dream come true, a risky move for team and driver as well as one that brought an immense amount of media attention and, as a result, pressure.
As he lined up on the grid in Melbourne, in a car he barely knew, in the most challenging conditions a Grand Prix driver can face, the world watched to see if he’d be able to deliver.
And boy did Kimi Antonelli deliver.
Next Up
Related Articles
Watch as F1 TV breaks down Day 2 of first Bahrain test/Hadjar%20Bahrain%20testing.webp)
Red Bull progress ‘better than we hoped for’ – Hadjar
Leclerc leads Norris on second day of Bahrain testing/16x9%20single%20image%20-%202026-02-13T105716.711.webp)
Russell tops Day 3 morning session at Bahrain test
In NumbersWho was fastest at the first Bahrain test?
Doohan excited for ‘fresh start’ as Haas reserve