Imagine being just 19 years old and receiving the keys to a car worth over £180,000—a vehicle so exclusive that only 200 of its kind exist. That’s exactly what happened to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes Formula 1 driver, as he gears up for his second year in the championship. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just any car—it’s the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors Edition, a masterpiece inspired by the 2024 Mercedes F1 car. With its metallic obsidian black base, hand-painted silver arrows, and PETRONAS-turquoise accents, it’s a rolling work of art that most teenagers can only dream of.
Antonelli’s new ride is more than just a status symbol; it’s a testament to the perks of driving for a top-tier team like Mercedes. Under the hood roars a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, delivering a staggering 612 hp. The car also boasts Michelin PilotSportCup 2R tyres and the AMG Night Package II, complete with black chrome elements and a silver chrome fuel filler cap. And this is the part most people miss: while the exact price hasn’t been disclosed, it’s rumored to exceed £180,000, making it a true collector’s item.
But Antonelli isn’t just cruising around in his new car—he’s hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. Last week, he completed the Barcelona shakedown in the 2026 Mercedes F1 challenger, the W17, alongside teammate George Russell. Despite a few minor issues, Antonelli expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting the valuable data collected during the 90 laps he completed in the morning session. Here’s where it gets controversial: while some might argue that focusing on longer runs with the C3 tyre isn’t as exciting as performance testing, Antonelli believes it’s crucial for understanding the car’s behavior under different setups. Is this the right approach, or should teams prioritize speed over endurance early in testing? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Looking ahead, Antonelli is eager to dive deeper into the data from Barcelona and prepare for the official test in Bahrain. With a solid understanding of the W17 already in place, he’s confident about hitting the ground running when the season begins. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As Formula 1 continues to evolve, how much of a driver’s success is tied to their car’s performance, and how much relies on their skill behind the wheel? Let us know what you think!
We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motorsport.com? Take our 5-minute survey and help shape the future of our content. Together, we can keep the conversation going and bring you the stories that matter most. – The Motorsport.com Team
