Kimi Antonelli recalls debut F1 experience: 'I was shaking'

Kimi Antonelli has offered an insight into his maiden F1 outing, admitting he was left “shaking” by the experience.

Antonelli made his F1 debut last year with Mercedes, replacing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who left for Ferrari.

In preparation for his maiden F1 campaign, Mercedes set up a busy test programme for the teenager, which commenced with an outing in the W12 challenger from the 2021 season.

Antonelli continued to rack up test mileage ahead of his debut in F1 and is now acclimatised to the speed that left him staggered on his first taste.

“I remember the first time I sat in [an] F1 [car], I absolutely loved it,” Antonelli told the Box Box Box podcast. “I remember I had goosebumps, I was shaking.

“Feeling the power, the downforce of the car. It was such a cool experience.”

Antonelli achieved three podium results in his maiden season, which had its notable ups and downs.

As he looks to take the next step with a full season on his belt, Antonelli asserted he is striving to achieve becoming the best in the field.

“I love driving - I love the feeling of speed and the adrenaline that you have while driving,” he said. “But at the same time, I'm a very competitive person. What drives me every day is wanting to win, wanting to be the best out there.

“But it first comes from the love of driving.”