Like many of his fellow Formula 1 drivers, Kimi Antonelli is making the most of a few weeks off in this packed season to recharge before returning for the 10 rounds that remain in 2025

Kimi Antonelli races for Mercedes(Image: Getty Images)

A racing driver knows better than anyone – the last thing you want is to run out of fuel. But that was the fate that befell Kimi Antonelli while trying to enjoy his holiday during this Formula 1 summer break, forcing friends to come to the teenager’s rescue.

Still only 18, Antonelli has now experienced 14 F1 race weekends after being fast-tracked into the sport by Mercedes. The Silver Arrows believe the Italian teenager has the potential to go on to be a superstar of the future.

Up to now, his debut season in the sport has been something of a mixed bag. There have been a some highs which have shown the obvious talent he has, such as his maiden pole position in the Miami Grand Prix Sprint race, and his first podium in F1 when he finished third at the Canadian Grand Prix.

There have also been tougher moments, particularly since the start of the European section of the season. His home race at Imola was a chastening experience and, in the seven Grands Prix held in Europe so far this year, he has managed to score only one single point.

Having admitted that he is suffering from a lack of confidence, the summer break has come at the perfect time for the youngster. And Antonelli has been making the most of his time, spotted this week enjoying some time out to see with friends.

But he suffered some unwanted technical issues on a jet ski which grinded to a halt having ran out of fuel. Footage of the aftermath was later shared on social media by one of his friends.

In the footage, Antonelli is seen standing on the stricken jet ski which is tied via rope to the back of another vessel and being pulled along. The caption, written in Italian, translates to: “Point of view: Transporting Kimi Antonelli because he ran out of gas.”

Despite the unfortunate incident, Antonelli is still seen smiling as he speaks to his friends who are in the speedboat which is pulling him and the jet ski along. The footage is believed to have been captured off the Greek coast, where Antonelli has been holidaying with friends and his girlfriend Eliska Babickova.

Babickova, who goes by the forename Eli, posted a series of snaps of their holiday on Instagram on Wednesday. The post included several sweet snaps of herself and Antonelli embracing one another as they enjoy their downtime.

The pair have been together since 2023 and Babickova has attended several F1 races so far this year to watch her boyfriend in action. She and her sister, Petra, are both experienced in karting themselves, having represented their native Czechia.