Kimi Antonelli discloses intentions to establish his own racing academy beyond the realm of Formula 1.
At merely 20 years of age, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is currently making the rest of the Formula 1 grid appear like a group of slow retirees. However, simply dominating the 2026 World Championship in a Mercedes is not enough to keep the Italian sensation fully engaged.
In a recent interview with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Antonelli disclosed that he is already strategizing his next significant venture beyond the F1 paddock: establishing his own driver academy.
With recent discussions in the paddock surrounding Lando Norris unveiling his own junior team, Antonelli is eager to get involved in the driver-development scene. Having literally grown up in the garage of his father's GT racing team, AKM Motorsport, he is acutely aware of how challenging the financial landscape can be for a talented young driver lacking resources.
"We aim to create an academy for young individuals so they can have a shot in motorsport," Antonelli told AMUS. "Motorsport is an incredible yet tough realm. Gaining opportunities there is not straightforward. We want to assist young drivers in securing a chance."
The Verstappen GT3 FOMO
Interestingly, Antonelli's future academy isn't solely about funneling kids into the Formula 1 feeder series. He specifically pointed out that professional GT racing presents a highly viable and lucrative avenue—a perspective greatly influenced by a certain three-time Dutch world champion.
Max Verstappen has essentially transformed the GT3 endurance circuit into his personal side venture, and the rest of the F1 grid is collectively feeling the fear of missing out. Antonelli is no exception.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
"GT racing is experiencing significant growth at the moment," Antonelli confirmed to AMUS. "Max is contributing to its rising profile and showcasing its appeal."
With that surging popularity in mind, Antonelli envisions his future academy casting a broader net for aspiring drivers. "That doesn't have to be confined to Formula 1," he added. "There are numerous opportunities in professional GT racing as well."
Realizing the ultimate dad dream
Before Antonelli embarks on funding a full-fledged junior academy, he has a more personal aspect of motorsport to address.
His father, Marco Antonelli, a former touring car racer, founded the highly successful AKM Motorsport team. Although Kimi has previously tested his father's GT3 vehicles, the two have never actually shared a cockpit during a competitive race weekend. According to Kimi, that is set to change very soon.
Marco Antonelli, father of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
"We share nearly everything, especially regarding motorsport. We also have collaborative projects for the future," Antonelli explained. "One of my father's dreams is for us to race together one day. I competed for his team three years ago, but we've never participated in a race together as teammates. We hope to do that in a GT3 car."
When asked by AMUS about a timeline for this much-anticipated father-son partnership, Antonelli was quick to place it on the near horizon.
"If we can find the time, absolutely," Antonelli stated. "Next year, at the beginning or midpoint of the season, there will definitely be an opportunity. It would be wonderful to fulfill this dream of my father's."
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