The Kimi Antonelli phenomenon is not only wreaking havoc on the track: it is also breaking records… at auction.
Read more Further changes to the schedule are likely under pressure from Saudi Arabia
The name of Kimi Antonelli continues to shake Formula 1… and now the world of collectors. On Saturday night, a unique piece linked to the young Italian prodigy was sold for the staggering sum of 201 910 dollars at an auction.
It was an exceptional card, featuring a piece worn in a race and signed by the Mercedes driver. An extremely rare object, produced in a single copy, which thus becomes the most expensive card ever sold in his name.
Beyond the impressive amount, this transaction symbolizes above all the meteoric craze around Antonelli, whose rating has not stopped climbing since the start of the 2026 season.
A sporting rise that drives up the value
At just 19 years old, Kimi Antonelli is already establishing himself as the new sensation on the grid. Championship leader, he holds a comfortable 22-point lead over his teammate George Russell after a series of impressive performances.
His consecutive victories in China and Japan confirmed his status as a serious title contender. An exceptional dynamic that is now directly reflected in the value of his collectibles.
This record sale is therefore not a simple media stunt, but rather the reflection of a sporting phenomenon in full explosion. Collectors are not mistaken: they are already betting on a future champion.
Potential that is already attracting investors
This type of investment is based on a simple logic: the more a driver makes history, the more valuable their items become. And in the case of Kimi Antonelli, all indicators are green.
Read more Alpine under fire: the Doohan clan denounces «unfair» eviction
If the young Italian continues on this momentum and achieves further success — or even the world title — the value of this card could soar even higher in the years to come.
The Formula 1 card market follows a similar trend to that of other major sports, where rare items linked to stars reach impressive heights.
Hamilton remains the absolute reference
Despite this spectacular sale, one name still largely dominates this market: Lewis Hamilton. The Briton still holds the record with a unique card from the 2020 collection sold for more than a million dollars.
An amount that illustrates the colossal impact of the seven-time world champion on the discipline… but also the potential room for growth for Antonelli.
If the current trajectory of the young Mercedes driver is confirmed, he could well, in the long run, rival the greatest icons of the sport, including off the track.
The hype around Antonelli is only just beginning… and some are already ready to pay a high price to own a piece of it.
Read more Thermal or electric F1? The evolution of Formula E speaks volumes about a logical progression