F1 star Kimi Antonelli gets a Mercedes AMG gift—but a new Italian law bans him from driving it till 2028! Too fast for the streets?


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Kimi Antonelli, the young F1 prodigy, was recently chosen by Mercedes to fill the shoes of the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Despite being just 18, he’s scored points in all three races of the season — a remarkable feat for a rookie. But what’s grabbing headlines even more than his on-track performance is what’s happening off the track. 🛑

Mercedes recently gifted Antonelli a stunning AMG GT 63 S Coupe to celebrate his achievements, but he won’t be able to drive it legally on public roads for the next three years!

Why He’s Banned From Driving His Own Car

Italian law is at the center of this bizarre situation. As of December 14, 2024, a new regulation prevents fresh drivers from operating vehicles that exceed 100 horsepower per ton.

Antonelli passed his driving test in January 2025, which means he falls directly under this rule. His new AMG GT 63 S? It boasts a wild 577 hp per ton — way over the legal limit. 🚫

So even though he's racing cars at 300+ km/h every weekend, he's not allowed to drive his own gift legally in Italy until 2028.

 Rookie Impresses on Track

While other rookies have struggled (like Red Bull’s Liam Lawson, who was dropped after just two races), Antonelli has been exceptional:

  • Scored points in every Grand Prix so far

  • Became the youngest driver to ever lead a race

  • Currently sits 5th in the Driver’s Championship — just behind teammate George Russell 👏

Mercedes’ trust in the young Italian is clearly paying off.

A Gift He Has to Wait For

The AMG GT 63 S was handed to him just before the Japanese GP at Suzuka — a classy move by Mercedes. But it’s more of a garage queen for now. He might actually become World Champion before he’s allowed to legally drive his street-legal Mercedes. 😅

“Dura lex, sed lex” – The law is hard, but it is the law.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe – Known Specifications

Feature

Detail

Gifted By

Mercedes F1 Team

Gifted To

F1 Rookie Driver

Occasion

Ahead of Japanese GP

Power-to-Weight Ratio

577 hp per ton

Legal Driving Status

Not allowed till 2028

Reason for Ban

Exceeds 100 hp/ton rule

Isn’t It Strange?

Imagine being skilled enough to race at the world’s most elite level but banned from driving a regular road car that has over 100 hp. The irony is hard to miss.

Till then, Antonelli will continue to thrill fans worldwide — just not from behind the wheel of his own gift.

FAQ

Kimi Antonelli is an 18-year-old Formula 1 rookie driver from Italy, recently chosen by Mercedes to replace the legendary Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes gifted Antonelli an AMG GT 63 S Coupe to celebrate his strong debut performance and consistent point finishes in his first F1 season.

Antonelli was gifted a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe, a high-performance luxury sports car with 577 hp per ton.

Italian law prohibits new drivers from operating cars that exceed 100 horsepower per ton for the first three years after passing their driving test. Antonelli's car exceeds that limit.

The law came into effect on December 14, 2024, and it affects all new drivers who earned their license after that date.

He will be permitted to drive the car on Italian roads starting in 2028, three years after passing his driving test in January 2025.

The AMG GT 63 S produces a power-to-weight ratio of 577 hp per ton, which is nearly six times the legal limit for new drivers in Italy.

Antonelli has scored points in all three races of the season and became the youngest driver ever to lead a Grand Prix. He currently ranks 5th in the Driver’s Championship.

Unlike Red Bull’s rookie Liam Lawson, who was dropped after just two races, Antonelli has exceeded expectations and proven his skill on the track.

Yes, Antonelli can legally race in Formula 1, where licenses and regulations differ from standard road driving laws in Italy.

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