In a devastating blow to Mercedes and Formula 1 fans, 18-year-old sensation Kimi Antonelli has been officially ruled out of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Italian prodigy, who has impressed in his debut season as a full-time driver, was diagnosed late Monday evening following mandatory health screenings. Team principals confirmed the news early Tuesday, stating Antonelli is currently asymptomatic but will remain in isolation for the remainder of the race week in accordance with FIA and local health protocols.
“This is incredibly disappointing for Kimi and the entire team,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in an official statement. “He showed incredible pace in practice last week and was targeting a strong result on the streets of Monaco, a circuit he knows well from his junior career. His health comes first, and we fully support his recovery.”
Antonelli’s absence creates a last-minute headache for Mercedes. Reserve driver Frederik Vesti is expected to step in, marking his first competitive appearance with the team since joining as a reserve in 2024. The Danish driver will inherit Antonelli’s car setup, though engineers face a race against time to prepare him for the notoriously demanding Monaco layout.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the young Italian. After scoring points in four of the last five races and earning praise for his mature race craft, Antonelli had been tipped as a potential podium contender around the tight and twisty streets of the principality. Monaco has historically favored bold, precise drivers—qualities Antonelli has displayed throughout his rapid rise from Formula 4 to F1.
F1 fans took to social media with mixed reactions, with many expressing concern for Antonelli’s health while others lamented the lost opportunity to watch the teenager battle it out against veterans like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc on one of the calendar’s most iconic tracks.
The FIA confirmed that all other drivers and team personnel tested negative during the latest round of checks. The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix will proceed as scheduled, with free practice on Thursday and qualifying on Saturday.
Antonelli is said to be resting comfortably in his hotel room and is expected to return to the paddock for the Canadian Grand Prix later this month, health permitting.