Kimi Antonelli isn’t your average teenager. At just 18, he’s already making headlines as Mercedes’ newest Formula 1 driver—all while finishing high school in his hometown of Bologna, Italy. If you’re curious about how a young prodigy like Kimi can reach the pinnacle of motorsport while balancing academics, you’re not alone. His journey is taking center stage in a new Netflix documentary, giving fans a rare inside look at his whirlwind year.

The Making of a Modern Racing Prodigy

Kimi Antonelli, known simply as Kimi, has turned heads in the racing world since his karting days. But unlike most rookies on the F1 grid, he skipped over Formula 3 entirely. Instead, Kimi advanced straight from F2 to one of the biggest seats in motorsport: replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. You can read more about how Kimi is handling the pressure of this transition and what it means to juggle schoolwork with a global racing calendar in this in-depth TODAY.com interview.

A Netflix Documentary: “The Seat”

Fans will get an even closer look at Kimi's world with the release of his standalone Netflix documentary, The Seat, premiering May 5th. The 45-minute film showcases private conversations, behind-the-scenes preparations, and Kimi’s life away from the racetrack. It covers everything from his early karting days to his first F1 season and highlights how he navigates family, friends, and the enormous expectations of stepping directly into Hamilton’s former seat. Dive into more details about the documentary in this Motociclismo article.

Balancing Championship Dreams and School Life

What makes Kimi’s story truly unique is his dedication to finishing high school alongside his F1 commitments. He attends classes online at the Salvemini di Casalecchio di Reno Technical Institute. Travel, training, and practice sessions make it hard to keep up. Still, Kimi remains committed to earning his diploma, saying, “It will be a shame just to quit right at the last year. So, I’m almost there at the finish line.”

Life as an F1 driver means constantly adapting. Kimi often studies during long-haul flights between Grands Prix. His determination to succeed in both academics and motorsport sets him apart—not just among his peers, but in the sport’s history.

Fitting In On and Off the Track

Kimi’s newness to Formula 1 extends beyond racing. Off the track, he quietly observes in the drivers’ group chat, noting that drivers like George Russell and Carlos Sainz are the most active participants. He’s taking time to adjust to the new environment before sharing more of his personality among fellow racers. For more about Kimi’s locker room insights and his experience with the documentary process, check out Yahoo Sports’ exclusive.

Taking Over from Lewis Hamilton

Perhaps the most significant test for Kimi this year is shouldering the legacy of Lewis Hamilton. When Mercedes announced Kimi would fill the vacancy left by the seven-time world champion, expectations skyrocketed. Kimi, however, embraces the pressure. He's candid about having made mistakes under pressure but says those experiences have made him stronger and more aware of his potential.

As of his debut season, Kimi already leads the rookie pack in the standings and placed an impressive fourth at the Australian Grand Prix—remarkable achievements for someone so young and so new to Formula 1.

Conclusion: The Future is Bright for Kimi

Kimi Antonelli’s story resonates not just with racing fans but anyone chasing big dreams while managing daily life. His journey from karting prodigy to F1 sensation, all while balancing graduation and a global spotlight, marks him as a role model for the next generation. Want more insights? Explore the full TODAY.com feature on Kimi’s double life or follow the excitement ahead of his Netflix documentary debut.

Kimi’s rise proves that with the right blend of talent, grit, and support, even the wildest dreams are within reach. Don’t miss The Seat on Netflix to witness racing history in the making!