The new season of Drive to Survive revealed the moment when Kimi Antonelli found out he would be a Mercedes driver for 2025: in a video call with Toto Wolff and the rest of the team.
If there’s one thing Drive to Survive does well, it’s showing the behind-the-scenes and the more human side of Formula 1 drivers.
Imagine this: you’re 17 years old, racing in Formula 2, just a year ago you were in Formula 4, and you’re part of the Mercedes academy. One day, while at home with your parents, you join a video call with team principal Toto Wolff and his staff.
What does he tell you? That you’re going to be a Mercedes F1 driver.
This is exactly what happened to Kimi Antonelli last summer when he found out he had been chosen by Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Joining one of the most successful teams in history before even getting a driver’s license? That doesn’t happen to just anyone.
But how did the young driver from Bologna find out the news? The new season of the Netflix series Drive to Survive has the answer. While Kimi is at home in Bologna, during a video call with all the key figures at Mercedes and his father Marco, Toto Wolff reveals to him: “We organized this call to tell you that you will be a Mercedes Formula 1 driver next year. We have a lot of faith in you, we are very happy, and together we will make it.” .
“Oh my God, this is amazing news,” replied the 2006-born driver. Interviewed later by the Netflix crew, he added: “It feels a bit strange, but it’s a great feeling. I’ve dreamed of this since I was little.”
After the call, Kimi goes to hug his parents. “I didn’t hear anything, tell me something,” his mother Veronica says. “I’m with Mercedes next year. We made it,” replies her son.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team su X