Catching Up with Kimi:

Life as an F1 Driver, Goals for the Future, and School Exams

"I think it's been a pretty positive start," says Kimi.

"Of course, we have had ups and down, but it's been a smooth start, and the progression has been there each weekend.

"I know that there is a lot to work on, and we always want to do better, but we can be happy with how it's going."

Life Lately

There is only so much a driver can do to get ready for their debut season in Formula One.

Truly, nothing can quite prepare a racer for a whole new life routine.

"That has been what has surprised me the most," says Kimi.

"The intensity of the weekend, and life itself. Not only at the track, but off it to at home and in the week, being back at the factory doing correlation as well as the marketing side of things too.

"My life is a lot busier, but I'm not complaining at all - it is all a huge positive."

Learning on the Job

At times so far in 2025 Kimi has driven with the style and composure that defy his tag as an F1 rookie. Performances more akin to a seasoned racer.

Inside the helmet, the approach has stayed the same. Just keep learning.

"Every weekend is a huge learning opportunity. I don't take anything for granted," he says.

"I go into every race trying to set myself up as best I can. I don't think about easing myself in, because then I will find myself too many steps behind.

"I have learned that you have to be ready to go at the start of a weekend. I have to stay present, and on top of my game. Otherwise, I'll have too much to make up."

Dream Team

And what a group it is Kimi can learn from.

The second-longest serving Team Principal in the F1 paddock, a natural-born leader and Grand Prix race winner as well as a multiple race winner with five consecutive Constructors' titles with the Silver Arrows.

"Everyone is helping me a lot," says Kimi.

"I have known Toto since 2018 - he has always been supportive, and we have a very good relationship.

"George is having a great season, and his driving has been really strong. He is also helping me to push myself and see how I can do better and level up.

"Valtteri has been there for me every weekend, offering tips, advice, and a few tricks to help me improve on track."

From Melbourne to Miami

There have already been some standout moments for the team and the Italian to celebrate, but what would Kimi class as favourite moment from 2025 so far?

"The first race in Australia was really special, and then the Sprint pole and P3 in Miami qualifying are right up there as well," says Kimi.

"Then of course Suzuka, that was really nice too. There have been highs and lows so far, and I have just been trying to enjoy every moment.

"If I had to choose, I would say Australia the Miami pole."

But why stop at a maiden pole and a series of age-related records? Kimi wants more.

"It would be great to get a podium before the summer break, or even a first race win - that is the ultimate goal," he adds.

"Any time I am on track, I want to win and be the fastest out there."

Ciao, Imola!

There has already been enough excitement to fill a whole F1 season for Kimi in 2025, but the energy levels are set to go up again this weekend when he races at Imola for the first time as an F1 driver.

There is nothing quite like a home Grand Prix.

"I am super excited to race in front of my home crowd, the energy and the atmosphere is going to be amazing," he says.

"I am trying to stay calm at the moment and not think about it too much because I know when the moment comes there will be butterflies in my stomach and I will probably be quite nervous!

"The fans absolutely love this track, but I am going to take it as I have every other race - I am just trying to keep improving and do better every time."

From the Circuit to the Classroom

Most 18-year-old students don't race in F1 alongside studying for their school exams.

But most 18-year-olds aren't Kimi Antonelli.

Since first announcing he plans to sit his school exams later in the year, fans have been keen to stay up to date with Kimi's progress with the textbooks, as much as they have his on-track exploits.

Even with such a unique career ahead of him, the importance of education in the Antonelli household remains high. "It won't be easy this week," says Kimi.

"There are a lot of activities before the race weekend, so I will be very busy. But I will do what I can, when I can, because I want to do well."