Antonelli Not Named After Kimi Raikkonen

Few young drivers have garnered as much attention as Andrea Kimi Antonelli before even turning a wheel in Formula 1. The Mercedes Academy driver has been under the limelight for potentially replacing the outgoing Lewis Hamilton ever since the latter announced his move to Ferrari for 2025. Amid these speculations, Antonelli’s middle name — Kimi has also caught the attention of many. There has been a popular belief that Antonelli was named after Kimi Raikkonen. The 18-year-old’s father, Marco Antonelli has been a big fan of Raikkonen. Thus, it could have influenced him to name his son after the last Ferrari world champion. However, that is far from the reality, as Antonelli himself revealed in an interview a couple of years ago. I don't believe this is not a conincidence.