Kimi Antonelli involved in car crash as Mercedes release statement ahead of Bahrain testing

Kimi Antonelli was involved in a car accident just days before the latest round of Formula 1 testing.

Mercedes have confirmed the Italian driver was ‘unhurt’ in the incident near his home in San Marino.

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Antonelli’s was the only vehicle involved in the crash, which occurred on Saturday night.

The 19-year-old has subsequently been cleared to appear at the next round of testing in Bahrain on Wednesday.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, an investigation was opened after an exclusive Mercedes supercar crashed into a road-side retaining wall.

Their report added that there had been ‘extensive damage’ to the vehicle as a result of the collission.

Mercedes statement

In a statement, Mercedes said: “We can confirm that Kimi was involved in a traffic accident on Saturday night close to his home in San Marino.

“The police attended the scene, after being called by Kimi. His was the only car involved and while his vehicle was damaged, Kimi was completely unhurt.”

Antonelli passed his driving test in January 2025, just weeks before the start of his debut F1 season.

The teenager replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes ahead of last season following the seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari.

He will once again partner George Russell on the grid this year following a record-breaking campaign.

Antonelli ended the season in seventh place in the Drivers’ Championship on 150 points.

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His tally represents a record for a driver in their debut season.

Meanwhile, he also became the youngest driver ever to record a fastest lap after doing so at the Japanese Grand Prix in April.

Antonelli ended the season with three podiums from his 24 starts across the calendar.

The best of those finishes came at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he finished second behind Lando Norris.

Testing for the new season continues in Bahrain this week, with three days scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

The constructors will have another chance to test their cars between February 18 and 20.

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It comes ahead of the first race of the season in Melbourne next month.

The season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, March 8.