From Alps to F1: Antonelli’s first promo shoot for Mercedes

©Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes' rising star, has a lot on his plate ahead of his Formula 1 debut in 2025.

But before embarking on his promising journey among motorsport's elite, the young Italian enjoyed his first promo shoot with his employer.

In the short film “Charging Up for 2025,” Antonelli takes a scenic drive through the snow-capped European Alps in a camouflaged version of Mercedes yet-to-be-released all-electric CLA.

As he weaves through icy roads, the car's advanced energy recovery system in action, Kimi effortlessly showcases the CLA's impressive ability to generate electricity – enough to light up a Christmas tree.

The festive sparkle of the illuminated red liver against the snow was a perfect touch.

Read also: Russell backs Antonelli's equal role in Mercedes' 2025 development

The film is more than just a promotional video. It's a glimpse into the future, where Mercedes' cutting-edge EV technology meets the precision driving of a future F1 champion.

But it also serves as a reminder of Kimi's journey: rising through Mercedes' Junior Program to make his Formula 1 debut in 2025.

©Mercedes

The 18-year-old's upcoming debut is something Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff is certainly excited about, though he's keeping expectations grounded.

"He will only be a prodigy when he really delivers in Formula 1," Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport.

"We hope that it will happen sooner rather than later, but certainly not right at the start."

An Electrifying Future with Mercedes

Wolff also acknowledged the challenges ahead for the young driver, but also for his team.

“If you expect him to be on pole position in Melbourne, win the race and immediately compete for the championship, then the risk is high because that won't happen,” Wolff said.

“But if we approach it in a way that the boy is 18 years old, very talented, but of course he has to grow into it first and will make mistakes along the way, then the risk is limited.”

Looking ahead, Wolff sees 2025 as somewhat of a stepping stone.

"We see 2025 as a transition year and want to prepare it for 2026, where everything starts from scratch for everyone,” he added.

If his driving in the Alps is any indication, Antonelli's future in F1 looks electrifying – figuratively of course.

Check out the short video on YouTube :

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.