F1's Next Big Thing? Antonelli Rockets Through Racing Tiers

PREMA Racing solidified their commitment to burgeoning talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, officially announcing his advancement to their Formula 2 team for the 2024 season.

This pivotal move marks Antonelli as the first driver confirmed for their 2024 lineup, further highlighting the team's trust in his burgeoning talent.

At just 17, the Italian prodigy has already made a significant mark in the world of motorsports, most recently clinching the title in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. Throughout the championship, Antonelli's tenacity was unmistakable, manifesting in five impressive victories and an additional six podium finishes. This feat cements his fifth title in a mere two years, an extraordinary achievement that underscores his readiness for the challenges of Formula 2.

Reflecting on his upcoming transition, Antonelli remarked, "I'm very happy for this opportunity. From Formula Regional to Formula 2, it will be a huge jump. I'm aware that it will be very challenging because the level is really high there. It will be a new car, for me and the others as well but it's still going to be tough. I don't want to set expectations, I will try to learn as much as possible in testing to be ready for the first race, have fun as always, and do a good job. I'm delighted to continue with PREMA as I started my single-seater career with them and they are my second family and I love working with them."

Antonelli, a jewel in the Mercedes junior program since 2018, initiated his single-seater journey with PREMA Racing in 2021, participating in three rounds of Italian F4. The subsequent season saw him engage in a full season, paralleled by a campaign in German F4. His skill was unmistakable as he seized the Drivers' title in both championships, amassing a staggering 22 wins. His accolades didn't end there; he also secured the gold medal in the FIA Motorsport Games Formula 4 Cup.

His trajectory continued on an upward trend with three wins and seven podiums, ultimately leading him to the Formula Regional Middle East Championship title. He then stunned the motorsports world by capturing the FRECA title in his debut season.

PREMA's Team Principal, René Rosin, expressed immense pride in welcoming Antonelli onboard for FIA Formula 2, stating, "We are proud to welcome Kimi to our FIA Formula 2 Championship team. He has been with us since the very beginning so not only do we know him well, but we are also particularly proud of what he was able to achieve in his first two years full-time in single seaters. Kimi is a gifted racer and a great team player, so we cannot wait to see what the 2024 season will bring and we are focused on helping him make the step in the smoothest possible way."

Antonelli is slated to immerse himself in the world of Formula 2 during the post-season test at Yas Marina, scheduled from November 29 to December 1, which will offer a glimpse into his adaptation to this advanced tier of racing.

The confidence in Antonelli's future in motorsports isn't limited to his current team. Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 Team Principal, shared during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza earlier in the season, “I think we will all hope that Andrea can make a great career. But there is always the risk that if you create too much hype around a young driver, that he's not left in peace to do anything. He is in FRECA, he dominated F4 last year in a solid way. He's won those championships and won in go-karting, and he is leading the championship in FRECA. But I'm happy that there is an Italian in the starting blocks for a great career.”

Antonelli's past performances speak volumes, particularly his 2022 season where he emerged victorious in both the ADAC and Italian F4 championships, claiming an astounding 13 wins out of 20 races in the latter. As he steps into the realm of Formula 2, the motorsports world eagerly anticipates what this next chapter will hold for the promising young driver.