Andrea Kimi Antonelli, current leader of the Formula 1 drivers’ championship, made his debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, culminating in a week full of activities that included the British Grand Prix, a visit to Wimbledon, and tire testing at Silverstone.
During his presentation on the Pirelli zone stage, the Italian confessed that he ignored instructions to take his debut slowly. “I was told to take it easy, but I obviously didn’t listen to them,” Antonelli commented with a smile. “I just tried to give it my all, and it was a good experience.”
The driver expressed his desire to return next year: “This is my first time here, and unfortunately, I have to go home tonight. I will definitely come back next year and hope to enjoy the weekend more because it really is fantastic. There are so many incredible race vehicles, and it is the heart of motorsport. It’s really great to be here.”
Antonelli drove the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed during his run up the Goodwood hill. This model, designed for the ultra-exclusive Mythos series of the brand, is inspired by Formula 1 and features an innovative design, without a roof or windshield, opting for a halo inspired by motorsport. The PureSpeed is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 800 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and achieving a top speed of 315 km/h. This vehicle is extremely rare, with only 250 units manufactured.
Additionally, the PureSpeed includes two high-aerodynamics helmets specifically designed for the occasion, with an intercom communication system that allows the driver and passenger to communicate and listen to music, all in the color chosen for the car.
Pilots present at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026
- Kimi Antonelli
- Frederik Vesti (third driver for Mercedes)
- Lando Norris
- Leonardo Fornaroli (reserve driver for McLaren)
- Bruno Senna
- Isack Hadjar
- Yuki Tsunoda
- Patrick Friesacher
- Liam Lawson
- Arvid Lindblad
- Ayumu Iwasa (reserve driver for Racing Bulls)
- Pierre Gasly
- Franco Colapinto
- Paul Aron (reserve driver for Alpine)
- Alex Dunne (driver for Alpine F2)
- Nina Gademan (driver for Alpine F1 Academy)
- Damon Hill
- Luke Browning (reserve driver for Williams)
- James Vowles (team principal of Williams)
- Jamie Chadwick (advisor of the Williams F1 Academy)
- Jak Crawford (reserve driver for Aston Martin)
- Jessica Hawkins (head of the Aston Martin F1 Academy)
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
