Rising Star Andrea Kimi Antonelli Passes Key Driving Test Ahead of F1 Debut
At just 18, Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates a milestone as he prepares for his debut in Formula 1.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the promising 18-year-old driver from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, has successfully passed his driving test, a significant milestone just six weeks before he is set to make his Formula 1 debut at the prestigious Australian Grand Prix. This achievement marks an important step in his journey as he takes over from legendary seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, pairing with fellow driver George Russell for the upcoming season.
Having turned 18 last August, Antonelli meets the minimum age requirement for driving on Italian roads. In a celebratory post shared on social media, Mercedes triumphantly declared, "Mission completed," alongside images depicting Antonelli flashing a thumbs-up from the driver's seat of a training vehicle. This moment reflects both his successful acquisition of a standard driving license and the all-important super-licence, which is essential for competing in Formula 1.
In preparation for this significant career leap, Antonelli has already logged numerous miles on the track, gaining invaluable experience behind the wheel of an F1 car. The young talent will have the opportunity to further hone his skills during the three-day pre-season testing session scheduled for Bahrain from February 26 to 28, where he will share the testing duties with Russell. As anticipation builds, fans and experts alike are eager to see what this rising star will deliver as he steps into the world of elite motorsport.
With the spotlight on him, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is poised to become a key figure in Formula 1, embodying the spirit of youth and determination in a sport renowned for its speed and precision.