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Formula 1’s newly crowned world champion, Kimi Antonelli, has won over the Mercedes garage not just with his speed, but through an unusual habit of pulling practical jokes on his crew. Behind the playful antics of the 20-year-old Italian lies a deep mutual trust and respect that helped forge a uniquely close relationship with the mechanics working on his car.
Pranks and Pressure in the Garage
According to power unit mechanic Nathan Tupper, Antonelli’s arrival in the garage is quite a show, featuring everything from pinching people’s nipples to general chaos. Second senior mechanic Ash Jones noted that the driver enjoys maintaining a good relationship with everyone by greeting them with a playful pinch. Even during high-pressure moments like qualifying, number one mechanic Tom Mason observed that Antonelli remains remarkably relaxed and eager to have fun.
Birthdays in the team also bring a special tradition, as Antonelli frequently surprises his colleagues by covering their faces in whipped cream. Front-end mechanic Callum Wooldridge explained that because Formula 1 crews spend so much time away from home, these lighthearted moments help ease the difficulties of the racing calendar. Race engineer Peter Bonnington actively encourages this friendly atmosphere, ensuring an environment free of awkwardness or tension.
Early Tests, Crashes, and Learning the Ropes
Before reaching F1, Antonelli went through a rigorous testing programme starting in 2024. Mechanic Franck Bougeard recalled meeting a 17-year-old Antonelli in Austria with a messy shock of hair sticking out from a blue cap, looking very much like a little kid about to drive a Formula 1 car. Those early sessions included crashes in Abu Dhabi and Monza as the young driver tested the limits of the vehicle.
After crashing at Monza, Antonelli returned to the garage deeply apologetic about the extra work he caused. Bougeard recalled that Kimi received a half-hour scolding from his father, Marco, while his mother was so frightened she was brought to tears. Marco Antonelli also famously crossed the track during a test accident in Abu Dhabi to reach his son, drawing a stern warning from staff about track safety.
When Antonelli officially joined the Mercedes race team for 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton, he carried lingering worries about creating extra work through his mistakes. However, Mason reassured the young driver that the team was happy to do their jobs as long as he gave his all. Despite difficult moments like a tough weekend in Spa, Mason praised Antonelli’s ability to bounce back immediately without carrying negativity into the garage.
Building Personal Connections and Achieving Success
All five mechanics highlighted Antonelli’s remarkable ability to learn everyone’s name and personal details within just a couple of days. Before joining the main race team, Antonelli insisted on first reconnecting with the staff who had supported him during his testing programme. Tupper noted that Antonelli’s father, Marco, shares the same open, affectionate approach, making the whole family feel welcoming to the crew.
The bond between driver and team was further tested during demanding moments like Melbourne in the 2026 season, when mechanics worked a miracle to rebuild Antonelli’s car after a heavy crash in FP3, allowing him to secure second place on the grid. Jones pointed to Monza as the turning point where he truly believed Antonelli could win the title, while Wooldridge highlighted an impressive victory from a pole position in Austin.
Bougeard reflected on how much the young driver has grown in such a short space of time, combining a great sense of humor with genuine enjoyment for his work. That journey ultimately culminated on a Sunday evening in Mexico City, where hugs and tears marked the shared triumph of a team that watched a teenager develop into a world champion.
