The Kimi Interview:

Part 2 – Training, adidas, and Working With George and Valtteri

“I have the full trust in the team. This chance to go racing is not one that happens every day. I feel very privileged.”

Kimi Antonelli’s dream of becoming an F1 driver officially became reality on 1 January 2025.

But that was only the start. Since then, the excitement to get going and the efforts to prepare have ramped up.

In part two of our interview with Kimi to begin 2025, we get exclusive insight into how he’s been getting ready for lights out in Melbourne on 16 March.

Missed part one? Check it out, here.

‘Are You Ready to Drive an F1 Car?’

The question every young racer wants to hear.

The chance to get behind the wheel and test a Formula One car. Kimi remembers the conversation with Toto fondly. “He called me into his office and said ‘are you ready to drive a Formula 1 car?’” recalls Kimi.

“I could not even speak in that moment.”

There was a lot of work still to do, but the Italian had been given the chance to prove himself across the course of the 2024 season, with the potential reward of a full-time F1 drive.

Fast forward a year, and it was a chance Kimi grabbed with both hands.

Family. Fitness. Formula One.

After a year like no other, getting to grips with a new series (Formula 2) and prepping to make the step up to F1, it’s no surprise Kimi’s winter was spent unwinding with those closest to him.

“I had a good time with my family, which is so important to me because I am not going to see them much once the season starts,” says the 18-year-old.

“My dad will come to all the races, but my mum, sister, aunt and grandmother will not be able to do that. So, to rest at home with them and do fun activities together was nice.”

January arrived and a familiar face came calling: The gym.

“I have done a couple of training camps, one of them in Lanzarote,” says Kimi.

“It was really cool, a really nice place. It was my first time and the centre I stayed in had everything; you could do so many activities. The weather is so good, and at the same time there were areas to relax in the evening too.

“But we trained really hard.”

An early morning swim, neck training at lunch and an afternoon bike ride – the life of an F1 driver in the winter.

Go behind the scenes with Kimi in Lanzarote, here.

Kimi Meets Our Other New Recruit

Kimi is not the only new face to get excited about in 2025. New team clothing supplier adidas have also joined the team.

The pair have been getting to know each other, and the relationship is blossoming.

“I went to their headquarters, which are so cool,” says Kimi.

“You can do everything there. I would love to go back with the team because there is so much to see. We tried some of the new products and clothing too – they gave me a padel racket, which is way too advanced for my skills!

“There is so much cool stuff. Tennis shoes, cycling shoes – which I wore while training in Lanzarote, and a jersey with my name on it. I was super happy when I first saw it, and I wore it on every ride.”

‘I Can Learn So Much from Them’

Every dream needs a team. And Kimi will have support from all sides on his Mercedes F1 journey.

A multiple race winner and a five-time Constructors’ champion with 10 race wins - not a bad start, right?

“I will try to make the best of it all,” says Kimi.

“I have the full trust in the team. This chance to go racing is not one that happens every day. I feel very privileged.

“I am very happy to be with George. He has already shown what he can do and I can learn so much from him.

“Then you have Valtteri and his experience. I am really keen to learn from them both. They can both push me further.”

At the head of it all is the second-longest serving Team Principal in the sport.

“I have known Toto since 2018 and we have a really good relationship. He has always tried to teach me and guide me in the right direction,” explains Kimi.

Welcome to the team, Kimi.