Mercedes driver and rookie Kimi Antonelli climbed through the grid during the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, charging from P16 all the way up to a P4 finish, cementing a dream start to his Formula 1 career.
Replacing seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes is no easy task, something that both Antonelli and team boss Toto Wolff already knew. However, the 2025 F1 Championship season kicked off in Melbourne on Sunday, and Mercedes rookie Antonelli rose to the challenge against very harsh odds.
The 18 year old Italian qualified in P16 during Saturdays' qualifying session, leaving an incredibly large mountain to climb throughout the race to follow. The race featured changing and ever intensifying weather conditions and plenty of Safety Cars, giving Antonelli more than a chance to make up ground.
The Italian prevailed through it all however, delivering an incredible drive through the field, planting himself firmly in P4 by the time he arrived at the checkered flag, which solidified him as the best of the rookies so far.
Isak Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto were the rookies who failed to finish the race, with only Antonelli and the Haas of Ollie Bearman being the only two new mainstay drivers to make it to the finish line.
"It was a really, really eventful race. We got all the possible conditions for a first race. Definitely not an easy one, but super happy," Antonelli said after the race. "The team did a great job, I was happy also with how I managed even though I did a couple of mistakes which cost me a bit of time, especially with the speed."
""Of course, qualifying was dissapointing with what happened," the 18 year old continued. "I think I could have managed a little bit better as well from my side. But it was really good experience to see what happens from the back and the way I can manage to progress. Definitely really good learning, and I cannot complain about the result," Antonelli concluded.
A strong start to the 2025 campaign for Mercedes, with Antonelli of course clinching a P4 finish, and teammate George Russell claiming a podium finish as he crossed the finish line in third place. The Silver Arrows will be looking to the Chinese Grand Prix next weekend, where the team will be adamant to continue their good run of form.
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