Balancing Formula 1 and Final Exams: The Challenge for Mercedes Rookie Kimi Antonelli

As the 2025 Formula 1 season gets underway, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli is making waves alongside George Russell. However, life outside of motorsports isn’t as smooth sailing for the 18-year-old Italian. In a recent interview with The Fast and the Curious podcast, Antonelli revealed his struggle with final exams.

The Struggle With Final Exams: A Challenge for Kimi Antonelli

I have the last year of school,” Antonelli explained. “I have final exams. So I’m trying at the moment to fit a date where I can do it, which is pretty difficult at the moment.” The timing couldn’t be worse for Antonelli, as Formula 1 heads into a triple header, beginning with the Japanese Grand Prix and followed by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Like any other F1 driver, Antonelli isn’t going to quit. “It would be a shame just to, you know, quit on the last year of school,” he said. “And also, my mum cares about it, so I will do it for her as well.” The young racer is getting a lot of help from his school, but it’s a big commitment.

Difficult Subjects and High Expectations

When asked about what subjects he’s finding particularly difficult, he admitted maths wasn’t a strongpoint. “It’s a terrible thing; I’m not going to lie; it’s something I have to do but it’s a difficult subject.” Despite the challenges, Antonelli remains focused and determined.

The teenager, who turned 18 in August of last year, has replaced Lewis Hamilton at the Brackley outfit. Team chief Toto Wolff has immense confidence in him, and his performance so far proves that this confidence was well placed. Despite a challenging qualifying session in Australia where he placed 16th on the grid, he finished fourth behind Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and team-mate George Russell.

He followed this with another impressive campaign in China where he finished sixth while also being voted driver of the day by fans. It’s fair to say the pressure on the driver is considerable, but so far he’s taking it in his stride. “Well, I don’t really have a lot of expectations,” he said on his first F1 season. “What I’m really going to do is trying to focus on the process, try to enjoy as well.

But definitely something he really wants to do is start with a good rhythm and try to build from it and try to be consistent. Of course, the mindset is always going to be the same, so trying to go on track and win and do the best job as possible.