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Here are some key factors behind Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli's success
Updated On: 24 October, 2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronan Carvalho
As Mercedes star Antonelli, 20, closes in on a historic F1 World C’ship this weekend, mid-day examines the key factors behind his success
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates winning the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this year. Pic/AFP
Karting prodigy to F1 freak
Kimi Antonelli’s immense talent was evident from a young age. Mercedes recognised his potential when it sent a scout to assess his skills on the karting circuit at just 11. The Italian subsequently joined the team’s junior programme in 2019. Over the next few years, he won multiple Formula 4 titles before making his Formula 2 debut at 17. In his only F2 season, Antonelli won two races and secured four podium finishes.
From rookie pain to gain
Antonelli’s maiden F1 season was a mixed bag. He announced his arrival with a fourth-place finish at the Australian GP and went on to claim three podiums, ending the campaign with 150 points. However, the Italian endured a difficult mid-season spell, suffering multiple retirements and scoring points in only two of nine races. Those setbacks, he believes, helped shape his current success. “All the bad moments from last year is what I needed. It made me stronger emotionally and mentally,” he said in August.
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