Italian F1 prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli breaks Charles Leclerc's kart lap record

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 17‑year‑old Italian driver in the Mercedes junior programme, set a new lap record at the Kartodromo Pista dei Campioni in Sardinia. He completed the circuit in 42.827 seconds, improving the previous best of 43.00 seconds held by Charles Leclerc.

Giancarlo Minardi, former Minardi team principal, said Antonelli reached full maturity during the Brazilian Grand Prix of the previous season, noting the young driver finished second behind Max Verstappen. Minardi expressed confidence that Antonelli will win future Grand Prix races and praised his ability to adapt to the new regulations.

The kart record was posted on the circuit’s official social channels, drawing attention from fans and highlighting Antonelli’s rapid progression toward a full‑time Formula 1 seat.