From Motorsport · Roberto Chinchero · · 1m 50s
Kimi Antonelli's garage jokes and trust
Mercedes mechanics share how 20-year-old F1 world champion Kimi Antonelli builds trust through practical jokes and quick learning.
In brief
Mercedes mechanics share how 20-year-old F1 world champion Kimi Antonelli builds trust through practical jokes and quick learning. Kimi Antonelli earned trust with Mercedes mechanics through playful interactions and quick learning, despite early crashes and family pressures. Originally reported by Motorsport.
Kimi's garage pranks
Kimi Antonelli, the 20-year-old F1 world champion, gives mechanics practical jokes like pinching nipples and whipped cream face rituals.
“He grabs everyone, pinches people's nipples, slaps them all over and generally causes chaos.”
Early crashes and family
Kimi crashed during 2024 testing, damaging his car, while his father scolded him and mother worried.
“He gave me a telling-off for half an hour!”
Quick learning
Kimi learned all mechanics' names within days of joining Mercedes, remembering personal details.
“After a couple of days, he already knew everyone's name.”
Mechanic trust
Mechanics feel comfortable with Kimi, with no tension or awkwardness in interactions.
“With kimis, you feel completely comfortable. It's like talking to one of the guys you work with every day.”
Early team challenges
Kimi caused extra work during 2025 season, but never brought tension to the garage.
“He was so young and had an enormous amount of pressure on his shoulders.”
Melbourne car fix
Mechanics rebuilt Kimi's car after FP3 crash in Melbourne, leading to second grid position.
“I've no idea how you managed to get my car back on track.”
Monza victory
Kimi won from 19th on grid at Monza, showing his ability to recover from setbacks.
“He fought his way to victory from 19th on the grid.”
Austin victory
Kimi converted pole position into victory at Austin with remarkable maturity.
“He converted an unexpected pole position into a victory delivered with remarkable maturity.”
Family support
Kimi's father and mother supported him through early crashes and team challenges.
“Marco was on the other side of the track. When kimis crashed, he immediately set off to get to him.”
Growth and maturity
Kimi learned to handle pressure without carrying negativity, returning to enthusiasm after setbacks.
“He can have a terrible weekend, or a practice session where everything goes wrong. When he gets out of the car, he's angry. You can clearly see it. But the next time you meet him, he's already completely different.”
World champion
Kimi Antonelli became F1's youngest world champion at age 20.
“Kimi Antonelli, the 20-year-old Italian has become f1's new world champion.”
Team bond
Mechanics and Kimi share emotional highs and lows, like a rollercoaster ride.
“When kimis has a bad day, we feel bad too.”
Garage trust
Kimi earned trust through quick learning, practical jokes, and emotional support.
“It's difficult not to like him. Even if you woke up one morning thinking you really didn't want to put up with kimis that day, the moment you see him, you change your mind.”
Championship journey
Kimi's journey from 2024 testing to 2026 world champion shows rapid growth.
“It's incredible to think how much he's grown in such a short space of time.”
Final celebration
Kimi and Mercedes celebrated world championship with hugs and tears in Mexico City.
“Then, on sunday evening in mexico city, came the hugs and the tears.”
What matters most
Kimi Antonelli earned trust with Mercedes mechanics through playful interactions and quick learning, despite early crashes and family pressures.
