Source: Official Team Post via X
Mercedes Chief Praises Kimi Antonelli for Charitable Impact Beyond the Track
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord is impressed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli's achievements both on and off the F1 circuit. Antonelli is on the brink of becoming the youngest drivers' champion in history, while also making a significant impact through charity work.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord has expressed admiration for Andrea Kimi Antonelli's performance this season, both on the track and in his charitable endeavors. Although Mercedes had high expectations for Antonelli when they named him as Lewis Hamilton’s successor for the 2025 season, few anticipated the 20-year-old reaching such remarkable heights so quickly. Antonelli is on the verge of becoming the youngest-ever drivers' champion, with a potential title win at the United States Grand Prix this weekend, contingent on a favorable outcome at the Circuit of the Americas.
Antonelli has delivered an extraordinary season, securing eight victories including a string of five consecutive wins across China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco. He has also achieved six pole positions, despite starting the year without any. His rise is even more impressive considering a challenging rookie season in 2025, marred by a failed rear suspension update that dented his confidence until late in the year.
Lord remarked on the Italian's 'meteoric rise,' noting that Antonelli's current performance level is something the team believed possible, yet still surprising to witness in just his second F1 season. However, what makes Antonelli stand out even more is his work off the track. Lord highlights Antonelli's involvement with the autism charity PizzAut Onlus in Austria as particularly noteworthy. At an event with the charity, Antonelli made the children feel like 'winners,' offering them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
PizzAut Onlus, based in Milan, helps young people with autism gain dignity and autonomy through work. Antonelli's interaction with the charity reinforced his commitment to using his platform for positive impact. After his remarkable victory at Monza, where he overcame a back-of-the-grid start to win, the charity gifted him a T-shirt with a message celebrating his unique achievements.
Antonelli's off-track contributions are as commendable as his on-track accomplishments, and they resonate deeply within the Mercedes team. As he prepares for a potentially historic weekend in Austin, both his racing prowess and his charitable spirit continue to inspire and impress.