An expensive gift from Mercedes for one of Europe’s most promising young drivers turned into an unexpected problem. Kimi Antonelli, who only recently turned 19, was involved in a road accident with his brand-new Mercedes AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ shortly after receiving the keys to the exclusive car. The incident took place in San Marino, just days before the decisive Formula 1 tests in Bahrain. For the Mercedes team, this episode raised serious concerns—not just about the driver’s safety, but also about the reputation of the brand betting on the next generation.
The incident sparked a strong reaction in the motorsport community. Interest in the details is heightened by the fact that the car involved is a limited edition, with only 200 units produced, each costing over 200,000 euros. Antonelli, who has just started building his collection of elite cars, now has to deal with the aftermath of the crash—before he even got a chance to enjoy his new acquisition.
Incident details
The crash happened late in the evening near the driver’s home in San Marino. According to official reports, Kimi Antonelli lost control and crashed into safety barriers on the Serravalle racetrack. Police arrived promptly at the scene, called by the driver himself. Fortunately, no other vehicles or people were injured—the only damage was to the Mercedes AMG GT 63 PRO and the roadside barrier.
The Mercedes team was quick to issue a statement, stressing that their driver did not receive a single scratch and is feeling fine. It’s important to note that the car was the only one involved in the accident, with damage limited to material losses. For the young driver, this was his first serious trial off the racetrack, while for the team it was a reason to reflect on the risks associated with giving such powerful cars to their athletes.
Team reaction and plans
Despite the incident, Mercedes confirmed Kimi Antonelli’s participation in the upcoming tests in Bahrain. Team management expressed confidence in their driver’s psychological resilience and his ability to quickly recover from stress. In the coming days, all eyes will be on how the young Italian performs at the wheel of the W17 race car, as high hopes are pinned on him for the new season.
On social media, fans and experts are actively discussing not only the accident itself but also the technical specifications of the damaged car. The AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ is more than just a luxury sports car—it’s a true engineering gem with a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 612 hp and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. Such a car demands special skill even from professionals, and the Antonelli incident serves as a reminder that even experienced drivers are not immune to mistakes on regular roads.
Exclusive car
The gift from Mercedes was no coincidence: the brand traditionally supports its young stars by providing them with the best technology and exclusive models. For Antonelli, this Mercedes AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ became a symbol of trust and recognition of his talent. However, as practice has shown, owning such a powerful car is not only a privilege but also a responsibility, especially for public figures under the close scrutiny of the press and fans.
Last year, Kimi Antonelli finished the Formula 1 season in seventh place, scoring 150 points. His success on the track made him one of the most talked-about young drivers in Europe. The new car was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career, but now this episode will go down in history as a reminder that even the brightest prospects can be overshadowed by unexpected challenges.
Looking to the future
Right now, it’s important for Antonelli not only to restore the car but also to maintain his focus before the start of the season. Ahead are tests in Bahrain, where every lap will serve as proof of his professionalism and ability to handle pressure. Despite the incident, the Mercedes team continues to bet on the young Italian, considering him a key part of their strategy for the coming years.
The accident has already sparked discussion among safety experts and motorsport professionals. Many point out that modern sports cars, even in the hands of professionals, require a special approach and discipline. For Antonelli, this incident may become an important lesson that will help him avoid mistakes in the future and reinforce his reputation as not just a fast, but also a responsible driver.
Kimi Antonelli is an Italian racing driver who quickly caught the attention of top Formula 1 teams. Born in 2007, he rose rapidly from karting to professional racing, becoming one of the youngest drivers in Mercedes history. His career is marked not only by sporting achievements but also by his ability to handle pressure and unexpected situations. By 2026, he is regarded as one of Mercedes’ top hopes for a return to the forefront of the world championship.
