Marco Antonelli: The Racing Veteran Behind F1's Newest Star
The motorsport world is buzzing with excitement for the 2025 Formula 1 season. A key figure in this story is not just the young driver, but his father. Marco Antonelli, a seasoned race driver and team boss, is the father of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Kimi is set to drive for the prestigious Mercedes team in both the 2025 and 2026 F1 championships.
A Life Dedicated to Speed
Marco Antonelli was born on July 18, 1964, in Bologna, Italy. His entire career has revolved around the high-octane world of motorsport. For decades, he has worked as both a competitive driver and a team principal. This deep immersion in racing culture directly influenced his son's path to becoming a professional driver.
His driving career began in the early 1990s. Marco competed seriously in the Italian Superturismo Championship from 1992 through 1996. He later tested his skills in the European Touring Car Championship in 2002.
As a gentleman driver, he then shifted his focus to GT racing. Marco participated in numerous high-profile events across Europe. His resume includes races in the International GT Open, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series, the Blancpain GT Series, and the GT World Challenge Europe.
Building a Racing Empire
Beyond the driver's seat, Marco Antonelli built a business in motorsport. He owns and serves as the team principal for AKM Motorsport. This racing outfit is based in San Marino and competes in several series.
The team is active in the Italian F4 Championship and various GT categories. AKM Motorsport has earned a reputation as a training ground for young talent. It was within this very team environment that a young Kimi Antonelli took his first competitive laps in racing.
Marco's extensive background meant Kimi was exposed to racing from an incredibly early age. The younger Antonelli grew up around race shops, tracks, and even Formula 1 paddocks, absorbing the culture long before he held a steering wheel.
The Financial Footprint of a Racing Career
While Marco Antonelli keeps his exact financial details private, public estimates paint a picture of success. His net worth is believed to be between $19 million and $20 million. This wealth stems from several sources built over a lifetime in the sport.
- His long career as a professional race driver.
- Ownership and management of the AKM Motorsport team.
- Other related business ventures within the motorsport industry.
In essence, Marco Antonelli is far more than just the father of a Formula 1 phenom. He is an accomplished racer and a shrewd racing operator. His lifelong commitment to motorsport did not just build a career; it built the foundation for the next generation. He created the perfect environment for a prodigy like Kimi Antonelli to emerge and now join the grid with one of F1's most legendary teams.
