Fresh off his Suzuka Grand Prix win in the 2026 season, Kimi Antonelli is quickly becoming one of Formula 1’s most talked-about names. His rise feels both immediate and inevitable, shaped by results on track and growing influence beyond it. Below are five things to know about the Italian driver shaping the sport’s next chapter
He is Formula 1’s youngest championship leader
At just 19, in his second Formula 1 season in 2026, Antonelli is already rewriting the sport’s record books. After securing pole positions at both the Shanghai and Suzuka Grands Prix, he converted them into victories, quickly establishing himself as a real contender. Those results pushed him to the top of the standings, making him the youngest championship leader in F1 history – surpassing a record held by Lewis Hamilton since 2007. It’s an early statement that not only marks a generational shift, but also signals where he’s heading next.
He comes from a racing family
That rise becomes even more compelling when you look at where he comes from. For Antonelli, motorsport has always been part of everyday life. Growing up in Bologna, he was surrounded by racing through his father, Marco Antonelli – a former driver and founder of AKM Motorsport – who played a hands-on role in shaping his early career. From karting at seven to developing within his father’s team, his progression has always been closely tied to family, building a strong foundation early on.
He already has his own Netflix documentary
That mix of talent and momentum hasn’t gone unnoticed. Early in the 2025 season – shortly after Kimi Antonelli joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team – he became the focus of The Seat, a 45-minute documentary centred on his step into one of Formula 1’s most high-pressure seats following seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s departure. Available on Netflix, it offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the decision and what went on behind it.
He brought his classmates into the Formula 1 paddock
Despite the demands of his packed racing schedule, Kimi Antonelli has stayed closely connected to life off track. Ahead of his home race at Imola during the 2025 season, he invited 25 classmates and teachers into the paddock, giving them a rare, first-hand look at Formula 1. At the same time, he was finishing his high school diploma, studying remotely between races and eventually passing his final exams that year. It’s a detail that keeps his rise grounded, balancing everyday life with the realities of being an F1 driver.
He is entering the fashion world
Off the track, Antonelli is beginning to move into another space as well. As Formula 1 continues to overlap with fashion, he’s starting to find a place within that world. In February 2026, he was invited to sit in the front row at Gucci’s show in Milan, an early sign that brands are paying attention. Alongside this, through Mercedes’ partnership with Adidas, he has fronted teamwear campaigns, including the Y-3 collaboration on the grid, quietly building a presence beyond racing.
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