'Mission Complete': Lewis Hamilton's Replacement Andrea Kimi Antonelli Passes Driving Test Ahead of Debut Season With Mercedes F1; See Pic

Formula One’s rising star, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, has hit a personal milestone ahead of his debut season with Mercedes. The 18-year-old prodigy, who is set to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, announced on Instagram that he has officially passed his driving test.

Sharing a photo from a driving instructor’s car, Antonelli captioned the post with “Mission complete,” marking his achievement. Mercedes F1 team shared the image with ticks for both his driving licence and the so-called super-licence he requires to race in F1.

Mercedes had confirmed Antonelli as their new driver during last year’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The italian is set to team up with Briton George Russell, who finished sixth in last season’s championship. The challenge ahead is significant, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen continues to dominate the sport with four consecutive titles.

About Andrea Kimi Antonelli

For Italian motorsport fans, Antonelli represents a beacon of hope. The nation has long awaited the return of an Italian Grand Prix winner, with the last victory coming from Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.

Kimi joined Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019, after claiming numerous titles and wins in the junior karting categories. His single-seater debut came in 2021, competing in the Italian F4 and Formula 4 UAE Championship Trophy Round. The rookie will become the second driver to come through the Mercedes Junior Programme after George Russell.

Kimi won the FRECA title in 2023 driving with the number 12, and ran the same number while testing for the team last year and during his two FP1 sessions at Monza and Mexico in 2024. The Italian driver has chosen 12 as his official Formula 1 Grand Prix race number for 2025 and beyond.