
Mercedes lost two sponsors after promoting Kimi Antonelli to F1
Mercedes faced sponsor departures after promoting Kimi Antonelli to Formula 1 at the age of 18 in 2025. Team principal Toto Wolff revealed that two sponsors left the team following the decision to place the young Italian driver in the cockpit, a move that was seen as courageous within the Mercedes camp.
Antonelli's promotion proved successful, as he secured the world championship in only his second Formula 1 season, a remarkable achievement that rewarded Mercedes' faith in the teenager. This triumph came at the Mexico Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone for both Antonelli and the team.
The departure of sponsors highlighted the risks Mercedes took in backing a young driver, but the eventual success underlined the potential rewards of such decisions. Antonelli's rise has become a defining story of the current Formula 1 season, showcasing the impact of investing in emerging talent.
Kimi Antonelli, an Italian driver, has quickly established himself at the top of the sport. His latest notable result was at the Formula 1 race on 25 October 2026, where he competed against Charles Leclerc. Mercedes now looks to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming races and the challenges ahead.





