VIDEO – The moment Andrea Kimi Antonelli learns he will drive for Mercedes filmed by Netflix

It's a great story for a young man of just 18 years old: Andrea Kimi Antonelli is about to become the third youngest driver in Formula 1 of history by making its debut with Mercedes in Australia on March 16. The Italian succeeds Lewis Hamilton in a team looking for a return to the forefront after three more complicated seasons, far from the battle for the Constructors' title.

The team with the star took its time to choose the successor to their seven-time world champion, whose departure for Ferrari was announced very early, even before the start of the season. Several names have been circulating: Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon… But it was ultimately internally that Mercedes chose its new driver, as expected for several months. Toto wolff opted for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, jewel of the academy, who crushed the promotion formulas.

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The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where the Bologna native made his debut in an official Formula 1 session by taking part in Free Practice 1. Despite crashing in the Parabolica in his first laps, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been announced as a future Mercedes driver, making him the first rookie to join a team that finished in the Constructors' top 4 the previous season since Lewis Hamilton in 2007.

A scene reminiscent of another excerpt from Drive to Survive

Before the announcement was made publicly, the young man was warned by Toto Wolff during a video conference call with the Mercedes board. Perfect coincidence: Netflix cameras were following Antonelli during that day, thus being able to capture his palpable emotion after the good news communicated by the Austrian leader. A slightly scripted scene that has an air of déjà vu.

In episode 8 of season 4 of Drive to Survive retracing the 2021 season, Toto Wolff was seen summoning George Russell to a secluded corner of the paddock, supposedly out of sight – but not from Netflix cameras – to tell him that he was going to replace Valtteri Bottas in 2022. Three years later, it is Antonelli's turn to be highlighted by the streaming platform, before his big debut in the premier category of motorsport. Season 7 of Drive to Survive will be available on Netflix at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 7.

The moment Kimi Antonelli found out he was going to be a Mercedes driver 🥹🆕

Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 7 launches 7th March 📺 pic.twitter.com/k5mHic2wnY

- Sky Sports F1 (@ SkySportsF1) March 6, 2025