Mercedes F1 Rookie Emerges Unscathed from High-Value Crash Incident
In a startling weekend event, Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli was involved in a solitary vehicle collision near his residence in San Marino. The 19-year-old racing prodigy, however, escaped entirely without injury, as confirmed by an official team statement. Local police reports indicate that the incident involved Antonelli's car striking a roadside guardrail, with no other parties affected.
Team Confirms Safety Amidst Vehicle Damage
A Mercedes F1 spokesperson elaborated: "Last Saturday evening, near his home in San Marino, Kimi was involved in a road accident. The police attended the scene after being called by Kimi. His was the only car involved and, although the vehicle sustained damage, Kimi was completely unharmed." This reassurance comes as a relief to fans and the motorsport community, emphasising the paramount importance of driver safety over material loss.
Exclusive Vehicle Details and Timing of the Crash
The car in question was an exceptionally rare Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, part of a limited production run of just 200 units globally. Industry experts estimate its value to exceed £180,000, featuring a distinctive obsidian black finish with turquoise accents, nodding to Mercedes' longstanding partnership with PETRONAS. Additional customisations include hand-painted decals and performance enhancements like specialised tyres and a chrome petrol cap, powered by a robust four-litre V8 engine delivering 612bhp.
Notably, Mercedes had publicly announced Antonelli's acquisition of this exclusive model merely days before the crash, highlighting the unfortunate timing. Despite the vehicle's damage, the full extent remains unspecified, but the focus remains on Antonelli's well-being.
Antonelli's Background and Current Focus
Despite his rapid ascent in Formula 1, Antonelli only obtained his road driving licence approximately a year ago, due to Italian regulations prohibiting drivers under 18. His entry into F1 followed Mercedes' confirmation that he would succeed seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, marking a significant career milestone.
His debut season presented challenges, including a points drought during the European races, but he demonstrated notable talent with three podium finishes and a Sprint pole position in Miami. The crash has not disrupted his professional commitments, as he has since travelled to Bahrain for the 2026 pre-season testing, scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
Looking Ahead to the Racing Season
Antonelli is set to participate actively in the Bahrain tests, with plans to drive the W17 during the afternoon session on the first day. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks even elite drivers face off the track, yet his resilience and focus on upcoming events underscore his dedication to the sport. The motorsport world will keenly observe his performance in the forthcoming season, hoping for continued success and safety.
