Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Lucky Charm: The Story Behind His F1 Car Number 12
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Reveals His F1 Car Number for 2025
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that he will use the car number 12 when his F1 career officially begins in 2025, subject to approval from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).
Antonelli made his FP1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix and was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes. In a press conference in the Monza paddock, the 18-year-old answered a series of questions from the media about his promotion, including one about the number on his car.
Antonelli was quick to reply that the number 12 is his preference, having used that number to win the Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022 and the Middle Eastern and European Formula Regional titles last year.
“I have a lot of favorite numbers, but 12 is a special number,” Antonelli said. “I’ve been using it since F4 and it’s always worked well, so there’s no reason to change it next year.”
Now, with the announcement made and his F1 debut just months away, Antonelli has begun to think about his future as a Silver Arrow driver alongside George Russell.
“Of course, it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Antonelli said. “It’s really great to finally be announced as a driver for 2025. I want to get started quickly.”
Replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli said: “Yes, I think it’s impossible to replace him. He’s a great figure in this sport today. “I’ve achieved a lot in my career so far,” he added.
“I don’t want to think of him as a replacement. He’s just the next Mercedes driver. He’s a really good guy and he’s supported me, so I’m really happy.”
Antonelli will continue to drive older F1 cars for the remainder of the year as part of Mercedes’ Traditional Car Testing (TPC) programme, before completing his rookie season in F2. The Italian driver sits sixth in the standings with three races to go.
Category: Formula 1 / Andrea Kimi Antonelli / Mercedes F1