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The rising F1 star hopes that Anthony Edwards will attend a Grand Prix.
As adidas embarks on a new journey as an official partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team, rookie driver Kimi Antonelli is embracing the collaboration and the exciting opportunities it brings.
For Antonelli, the adidas partnership is not just about the gear – it’s a sign of a new era at Mercedes as Antonelli officially makes his F1 debut.
“It’s a great partnership,” said Antonelli. “I think it’s going to be a revolution because adidas is combining all the technology that they have with all the different sports. They’re bringing some incredible products to the world of motorsport, and pushing hard in order to provide for the drivers, but also the team with the best product possible.”
From Football to F1: adidas Continues to Be at the Center of Kimi Antonelli’s World
Long before he was behind the wheel of an F1 car, Antonelli spent his childhood playing football — a connection that makes the adidas partnership even more special.
“It’s true that when I was [young], I played football, but then, of course, I liked motorsport more,” Antonelli recalled. “adidas is really big in football. They’ve got so many stars.”
With footballers like Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham on the list, adidas’ roster is stacked, and Antonelli is thrilled to be in good company.
“If I can, I will steal some football shoes,” joked Antonelli. Despite the high-pressure season ahead of him, the 18-year-old maintains his teenage charm and feels that this partnership is a full-circle moment given his history with football and F1.
Training With adidas
As the rookie prepares for his debut F1 season, Antonelli visited the adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, to train with the sportswear brand’s high-level equipment.
“Earlier this year, I spent three days at the adidas headquarters to do some physical testing at the lab and also try new products ahead of this year,” said Antonelli. “It was amazing. The work that these guys are putting behind adidas is incredible. And we’re just getting started, so it can only get better.”
With access to new technology and a cutting-edge lab, Antonelli is already seeing the benefits of the adidas x Mercedes partnership. The driver is also very excited about all the new sneaker options.
“Off the track, being able to train with the right stuff is important,” said Antonelli. “During my first visit to adidas HQ, they gave me a pair of shoes for every kind of training, which means we are able to train better – it’s great.”
The adidas Motorsport x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS launch offers a range of footwear for every step of the athletic process. There are training models like the adidas Ultraboost 5, Supernova Rise, or Lightblaze, as well as recovery and lifestyle options like the Adilette Comfort Slide and the Adidas SL 72 RS.
The debut footwear collection also highlights two racing-inspired sneakers, the adidas Feroza and the adi Racer. The Feroza is a brand-new sneaker made for the launch of adidas Motorsport, while the adi Racer is a revived archive silhouette that was first released in the early 2000s.
Kimi Antonelli Wants Anthony Edwards to Come to an F1 Grand Prix
Although Antonelli was a big football fan growing up, he has piqued a new interest in the NBA, and one of his favorite basketball players just so happens to be another adidas athlete – Anthony Edwards.
“I really would like to meet Anthony Edwards,” Antonelli shared. “Hopefully this year we can organize a race. He’s an adidas athlete as well, so it would be cool to organize and have him at a Grand Prix.”
Antonelli is also a fan of LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama but felt extra connected to Anthony Edwards because of their shared love of gaming, which Antonelli discovered through the Netflix series, “Starting Five.”
“Anthony Edwards looks like a good guy,” said Antonelli. “Also, he’s a guy who likes playing video games. I could see myself playing video games with him. I like to play games when I’m home. I either play on my [F1 simulator] or console.”
The F1 rookie admitted that he hasn’t yet had the chance to put on a pair of the adidas AE 1s but is looking forward to the occasion.
Preparing for the Australian Grand Prix and His Rookie Season
As the anticipation builds for his debut season, Antonelli is keeping a level head. With the support of Mercedes and his inner circle, he’s staying focused on the process rather than the pressure.
“I have really good people around me,” he explained. “I have a great family, and I’ve got Mercedes behind me. They’re really helping me to stay calm in this moment.”
All eyes are undoubtedly going to be on Antonelli and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team as the rookie is replacing seven-time F1 World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton, who now represents Ferrari after being with Team Mercedes for 12 years.
Driving With George Russell
Antonelli will be competing alongside Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS driver George Russell, who has been with the F1 team since 2022.
“I’m really looking forward to working with George,” Antonelli said. “He’s a good driver, and he has shown me how [brilliant] he can be. It’s a great opportunity because I’ll learn a lot from him.”
Russell has provided Antonelli with valuable insights as he navigates his rookie year. Antonelli speaks highly of his new teammate, emphasizing their positive dynamic and competitive spirit.
“We’re focusing day-by-day on the process and the preparation,” said Antonelli. “It’s taking away the pressure because I’m not anxious about [the Australian Grand Prix] – the start of the season. I’m focusing on the process and I think the approach is good. It’s really helping me. It’s the best way possible to prepare for the first race.”
The debut adidas Motorsport x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS collection is available now via the adidas website.
