P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kimi Antonelli was the most-hyped of the 2025 F1 rookies yet arguably the least impressive for much of the season. But that Interlagos ‘halo’ weekend feels significant
Kimi Antonelli’s 2025 Formula 1 season had been overshadowed by his rival rookies’ headline-grabbing performances until the Brazilian Grand Prix.
At Interlagos, Antonelli finally had his standout ‘halo’ weekend, standing alongside other strong rookie performances like Isack Hadjar’s Zandvoort podium, Ollie Bearman’s fourth place in Mexico City, and Gabriel Bortoleto’s top-six finish at the Hungaroring.
In Brazil, Antonelli outperformed his teammate George Russell, showcasing what can be considered his most complete F1 weekend yet.
Team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli for resisting pressure from Max Verstappen and achieving a full house of second places in qualifying and races, hinting at a promising future for the young driver.
Despite a somewhat underwhelming season compared to the high expectations, Antonelli’s resilience and progress, especially overcoming mid-season struggles, demonstrate his potential and growth in the competitive F1 environment.
