Rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli has officially passed his driving test, just six weeks before making his Formula One debut for Mercedes at the Australian Grand Prix. The 18-year-old, set to replace Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari, was featured in a Mercedes social media post, smiling in a driving school car with the caption: "Mission completed."

Previously, F1 drivers were required to hold a valid driver’s license for their nationality to obtain a Super Licence. This rule, introduced in 2016, came after Max Verstappen debuted for Toro Rosso at 17. Despite early career crashes, Verstappen has since won four consecutive world titles. Antonelli now steps into the spotlight as he prepares for his first F1 season, hoping to make a strong impression with Mercedes in 2025.