Oh, the horror! Imagine getting the keys to an ultra-rare, £180,000 Mercedes-AMG GT, a car mirroring an F1 machine, only to crash it days later. That's precisely the rookie mishap Andrea Kimi Antonelli found himself in, prompting a typically candid and comical response from Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. This incident, involving one of the most exclusive road cars ever built by Mercedes-AMG, has certainly given the F1 paddock something to talk about.
Key Takeaways from Antonelli's AMG Adventure:
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli crashed his new, ultra-exclusive Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO Motorsport Collectors’ Edition.
- The rare vehicle is valued at £180,000, with only 200 units produced worldwide.
- Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff confirmed Antonelli was unharmed, joking that only his ego suffered a blow.
- The incident occurred in Italy just days after the young driver took delivery of the bespoke company car.
A Costly Introduction to the AMG Family
The young Italian prodigy, tipped for a bright future with Mercedes in Formula 1, had just taken possession of his new company car. This wasn't just any car; it was a bespoke Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO Motorsport Collectors’ Edition. Valued at an eye-watering £180,000, this machine boasts a deep metallic obsidian black finish. It even features hand-painted silver arrows and PETRONAS-turquoise accents, directly inspired by the Mercedes F1 W15 car.
However, the honeymoon was tragically short-lived. Days after receiving the keys, Antonelli was involved in a solo incident. He collided with a guardrail in Serravalle, Italy, near his home. Thankfully, no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the accident.
Toto Wolff's Signature Wit
When news of the crash reached the Mercedes camp, Toto Wolff was quick to address it with his characteristic blend of concern and dry humor. "I immediately wondered if anyone was injured," Wolff told Sky Sports Germany in Bahrain. "No, that wasn't the case. He's more embarrassed than anyone else and that's the most important thing."
The Austrian team boss continued with a smile, acknowledging the loss of a magnificent vehicle. "It's a shame about the great car, but in the end, it was just a car, even if it is the best AMG." This light-hearted approach shows the team's priority for Antonelli's safety over material damage. It also highlights the close, albeit teasing, relationship within the team.
More Than Just a Car: A Rare Automotive Icon
The significance of the damaged vehicle extends beyond its monetary value. The AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors' Edition is an extremely exclusive model. Only 200 units were ever built, making each one a true collector's item and a testament to Mercedes-AMG's engineering prowess. Its F1-inspired aesthetics were a direct nod to the brand's racing heritage.
Moving Past the Mishap
Mercedes themselves issued an official statement confirming the incident. "Kimi was involved in a road accident," the Brackley outfit explained, noting that police attended the scene. They reiterated that Antonelli was "completely unharmed," despite the vehicle sustaining damage. The crash occurred just before Antonelli headed to Bahrain for pre-season testing, underlining his focus remains squarely on his burgeoning F1 career. While the car is a loss, Antonelli's uninjured status and continued progression are the key takeaways.
