by Entering Formula 1 in adolescence is not an easy task, especially when it is with one of the largest teams in sport. Pressure, projectors, constant comparisons – is a lot to wear at only 18 years old.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are rare examples of drivers who burst into Formula 1 in adolescence and quickly succeeded. Now Kimi Antonelli is starting to do the same. In his first season, the young Italian not only continued, but also showed signs of real talents. It even gets closer to a hamilton milestone fixed almost 20 years ago.
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Back in his recruit year, Hamilton accumulated 109 points, but it is worth remembering that the score system seemed a little different at the time. Between 2003 and 2009, only the first eight scored, the winner obtaining ten points instead of the 25. Fast advances to now, and Kimi Antonelli has already inclined 64 points after 14 races, with an average of 4.5 points per cycle.
With 10 races still to do, this rhythm puts it on the right track to grasp 45 points, which would bring it to you as a soothsayer so yes, it looks more and more like Antonelli could at least equal, if not exceed, the recruits record of Hamilton in 2009.
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A more in -depth look at the recruit season of Kimi Antonelli
Only half a dozen races in her F1 recruit season, Andrea Kimi Antonelli already showed clearly why Mercedes did not hesitate to throw him into depth. The adolescent only missed the points once in these opening races, Bahreïn being the exception after a questionable call for strategy and running with Carlos Sainz.
Otherwise, he looked at home, snatching a brilliant fourth place in the chaos of a Melbourne struck with rain, the hardening with car damage in China, near George Russell in Suzuka and Jeddah, and even shocking the paddock with a sprint in Miami.
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But gentle start did not last forever. After Imola, errors and setbacks – pushing too hard at home, crash into Monaco, cars’ problems in Spain and recruit errors in Austria and Silverstone. However, a podium in Canada has shown its class, even if summer has brought mixed results. The point to take? Antonelli undoubtedly has talent. It is now a question of ironing the rough edges and transforming the promise into coherence.
Related: George Russell names the most admirable line of Kimi Antonelli without hesitation
This story was initially reported by Athlon Sports on August 19, 2025, where it appeared for the first time in the shopping section. Add Athlon Sports as a favorite source by clicking here.
