Kimi Antonelli's Journey to F1 Featured in Netflix Documentary 'The Seat'

Mercedes and Netflix are set to release a new 45-minute documentary, 'The Seat', on May 5, chronicling the journey of 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli as he is promoted to the Mercedes Formula 1 team for 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton after his move to Ferrari. The documentary, directed by Kyle Thrash and produced in association with WhatsApp, offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the internal selection process, Toto Wolff's private messages, and Antonelli's preparations, including his practice debut at Monza. Antonelli, who moved up from F2 and has already secured several points finishes in his rookie F1 season, describes joining Mercedes as a dream come true. The program also highlights the pivotal nature of this driver change—deemed one of the biggest in F1 history—and aims to give fans a unique look into the team's decision-making at a critical moment. Meanwhile, Antonelli's fellow rookie and former teammate, Oliver Bearman, has also made headlines with his own impressive debut for Ferrari and upcoming seat at Haas F1, reflecting a new generation emerging in Formula 1. Both drivers' rapid ascents and early successes are reshaping the F1 landscape.