F1 star Kimi Antonelli banned from driving new Mercedes thanks to legal requirement

Kimi Antonelli testing for Mercedes in 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Antonelli banned from driving new Mercedes thanks to legal requirement

The Italian only passed his driving test in January

Kevin McKenna

Wednesday 9 April 2025 21:00

Teenage Formula 1 star Kimi Antonelli has taken delivery of a beautiful new Mercedes, despite currently being unable to drive it.

The 18-year-old has had a promising start to his F1 career, finishing sixth or better in all three of his race appearances after replacing Lewis Hamilton this offseason, and picked up the keys for his new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 recently.

Unfortunately for Antonelli, who only passed his driving test in January, strict Italian laws prevent new drivers from operating internal combustion cars with a power limit over 75 kw, thus meaning he will have to wait before taking it for a spin.

Pictures published by La Gazzetta dello Sport showed the Italian posing in front of the blue sports car as he got a long-awaited first glimpse of his big-money purchase.

Italian rookie seamlessly steps into Hamilton's shoes

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Antonelli has made a positive start to his F1 career having been handed the unenviable task of replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows.

Despite his inexperience, he has collected points on each of the three races so far in 2025, and has even got the better of his predecessor on multiple occasions.

He impressive tally of 30 points currently puts him fifth in the drivers' standings, one place behind team-mate George Russell.

The pair's performances in the opening weeks have seen Mercedes emerge as a surprise challenger to McLaren for the constructors' title, and it is they who lead the chasing pack behind the defending champions.

Attention now turns to this weekend's Bahrain GP, where scorching temperatures are expected to play a significant part in proceedings.

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Kimi Antonelli Suzuka