Kimi Antonelli Reveals His Mother as His True Stylist Despite Mercedes Team Support

Young Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has shared a charming insight into his personal life, admitting that while the team provides professional fashion assistance, it is actually his mother who serves as his primary stylist on most occasions. The Italian teenager, who has stepped into the spotlight as one of Formula 1’s most promising new talents, made the revelation during the launch event for the new Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 collection created in partnership with Adidas. Joined by his teammate George Russell, Antonelli highlighted the playful yet influential role his mom plays in his everyday wardrobe choices, particularly when the family prepares for outings or dinners. This light-hearted disclosure offers fans a rare glimpse behind the high-gloss image of modern F1 drivers, showing that even at the pinnacle of motorsport, family dynamics and maternal advice remain firmly in place.

Antonelli’s Dual Stylists – Team Professional and Mom

At the launch of the latest Adidas-designed Mercedes teamwear, Antonelli explained that the official Mercedes stylist focuses primarily on helping the drivers present a polished image to their global fanbase during public and promotional appearances. However, she does not dictate his daily outfits. Instead, she occasionally sends suggestions and ideas that Antonelli can incorporate when planning his look. The real authority on his style, according to the rookie, comes from home. “Actually, my mum is also my stylist,” he said with a smile. “Most of the time she doesn’t like the combinations I wear — she’s always fixing my clothes. Sometimes, when we’re about to go out for dinner with my family, she says, ‘Oh no, you need to go change.’ So, she’s my proper stylist.” This candid admission has resonated with many, humanising the 18-year-old driver who carries the weight of high expectations at Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Antonelli and his mother are even in the process of rearranging his wardrobe to accommodate the influx of new team gear from the extensive Adidas collaboration, which reportedly arrived in several overflowing boxes.

George Russell on the Confidence-Boosting Power of Fashion

Teammate George Russell, who has been with Mercedes for several seasons, offered his own perspective on the growing importance of fashion within the high-pressure world of Formula 1. The British driver admitted that he only truly appreciated the positive impact of clothing in recent years. “It was only over the past few years that I realised the positive impact it has on you if you’re wearing clothes you feel confident in, clothes that make you feel better and stand a bit taller,” Russell explained during the same launch event. His comments reflect a broader trend in F1 where drivers are increasingly seen as style influencers, blending athletic performance with streetwear aesthetics. The new Mercedes-AMG F1 collection by Adidas aims to bridge that gap, offering apparel that looks sharp both on the paddock and off-duty while incorporating technical elements suitable for the team environment. Russell’s evolving awareness of fashion underscores how even established drivers continue to adapt to the multifaceted demands of the sport, where image and personal branding now sit alongside lap times and race strategy.

Stylish Appearance at the F1 2025 Season Launch

Antonelli and Russell were photographed together looking sharp in casual wear at the official launch of the 2025 Formula 1 season, which took place at London’s O2 Arena. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s Instagram account shared images of the duo, prompting positive reactions from fans who praised their coordinated and modern style. One enthusiastic supporter commented that they were “2 good-looking Mercedes drivers,” capturing the youthful energy the pair bring to the Silver Arrows lineup. The event provided an ideal platform to showcase the new Adidas collection, which features a range of apparel designed not only for the drivers but also for various team roles, including performance-focused pieces for mechanics and pit crew. The collaboration highlights Mercedes’ commitment to blending innovation on the track with contemporary fashion off it, helping the team maintain a strong visual identity in an era where drivers’ personal brands are more prominent than ever.

Transition from Lewis Hamilton’s Fashion Legacy

With Lewis Hamilton now racing for Ferrari, the responsibility for carrying forward Mercedes’ stylish reputation has shifted to Antonelli and Russell. Hamilton was long regarded as a fashion icon during his time with the team, frequently turning heads with bold choices both in and out of the paddock. The new generation of Mercedes drivers is approaching the role with their own distinct personalities. Antonelli’s reliance on his mother for honest feedback adds a relatable, down-to-earth element to his public image, while Russell’s recent appreciation for confidence-boosting attire shows a thoughtful evolution. The pair will also be supported by experienced Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, who has joined Mercedes as the third driver for the 2026 season. This strengthened lineup brings a mix of youth, experience, and continuity as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.

Preparations for the 2026 Season in Bahrain

As the new season approaches, both Antonelli and Russell are currently in Bahrain alongside the rest of the Mercedes squad for a three-day pre-season testing session. The testing provides crucial time to fine-tune the 2026 car, gather data, and build chemistry within the team before the campaign officially kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. For Antonelli, this marks his first full season in Formula 1 after impressing in junior categories, and the focus remains firmly on performance. Yet the off-track elements, including the team’s fashion initiatives, play a supporting role in boosting morale and public engagement. The arrival of fresh Adidas gear has even prompted practical changes at home for Antonelli, as he and his mother reorganise his closet to integrate the new pieces seamlessly.

Fashion’s Growing Role in Modern Formula 1

The emphasis on style at Mercedes reflects a wider shift within Formula 1. Drivers are no longer judged solely on their speed but also on how they present themselves as global ambassadors for their teams and sponsors. Collaborations such as the one between Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS and Adidas allow teams to create collections that appeal to fans while serving functional purposes within the high-tech environment of the paddock and garage. For a young driver like Kimi Antonelli, balancing the demands of elite racing with public appearances requires guidance, and having his mother step in as the “proper stylist” provides a comforting constant amid the whirlwind of his rookie year. Russell’s comments further illustrate that even seasoned professionals continue to discover the psychological benefits of dressing well, reinforcing the idea that confidence on and off the track can go hand in hand.

A Relatable Touch Amid High-Stakes Racing

Antonelli’s story about his mother fixing his outfits before family dinners brings a warm, human dimension to the often glamorous but intense world of Formula 1. It reminds fans that behind the fast cars, designer clothes, and media spotlight are young athletes who still turn to their parents for advice on everyday matters. As Mercedes pushes forward with its new driver pairing and ambitious technical program for 2026, these personal anecdotes help build connection with supporters. Whether it is Antonelli making space in his wardrobe for team merchandise or Russell recognising the power of feeling “a bit taller” in the right outfit, the launch of the Adidas collection has highlighted the lighter side of life at the Silver Arrows.

In the coming months, as the season unfolds from Australia onwards, Antonelli and Russell will be expected to deliver strong results on the circuit while continuing to represent the team’s evolving image off it. The involvement of family, the influence of professional stylists, and the integration of fashion into the sport all contribute to a more rounded and engaging narrative for Mercedes in 2026. For now, the young Italian’s admission that his mom remains his most trusted fashion critic serves as a delightful reminder that even in the highest levels of motorsport, some things never change — and that includes a mother’s keen eye for a mismatched outfit.