Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 40 Minutes
Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Kyle Thrash
Starring: Kimi Antonelli
“It’s lights out and away we go”—but this time, it’s not just another race. On May 5, 2025, Netflix, in collaboration with WhatsApp, released The Seat, a new documentary spotlighting Formula 1 rookie Kimi Antonelli. Far from your average motorsport documentary, this 40-minute film delivers an intimate, emotional, and visually stunning behind-the-scenes look at the 18-year-old driver. With cinematic videography and candid one-on-one interviews, The Seat captures the decision-making, training, and personal growth that have shaped Antonelli’s remarkable journey into Formula 1.
About the Story
Andrea “Kimi” Antonelli is an 18-year-old Italian racing prodigy, now competing for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team. The Seat documents his rapid ascent to F1 following Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff’s bold decision to promote him as the successor to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The documentary begins with the bombshell announcement in 2024: Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari. The news sent shockwaves through the motorsport world—and into that void stepped Kimi Antonelli. Recognized for his standout performances in the junior series, Antonelli quickly became Mercedes’ new hope, handpicked by Wolff for his raw talent and potential.
As the film unfolds, viewers are taken through the rigorous training, media pressure, and psychological demands that Antonelli faces in preparing for his F1 debut. Though his Formula 2 track record was impressive, stepping into the world of Formula 1 is a challenge of a different scale.
Toward the end, the documentary reaches an emotional high as Antonelli competes in his first-ever F1 race, finishing an astonishing fourth and becoming the youngest driver in history to score points on debut. The film closes with a heartfelt reflection from Antonelli on the mental and physical demands of the journey, and the quiet humility he strives to maintain in the face of rising fame.
Why Watch?
The Seat is much more than a motorsport film—it’s a story of ambition, pressure, and emotional growth. Its powerful visuals, from high-octane race sequences to quiet, reflective moments behind the scenes, paint a moving portrait of what it takes to pursue greatness. The candid interviews, intimate close-ups, and archival footage help convey not just the technical side of Formula 1, but also the emotional weight behind every decision and milestone.
While some may feel the film lacks depth in areas like team dynamics and garage operations, The Seat shines in portraying the personal side of racing. Its focus on Antonelli’s emotional journey, rather than only his performance on the track, sets it apart from traditional sports documentaries.
Verdict
The Seat is a must-watch—not just for Formula 1 fans, but for anyone drawn to stories of perseverance, self-discovery, and rising to the occasion. It doesn’t just tell a success story; it captures the vulnerability and determination behind the helmet, making this documentary both relatable and unforgettable. For those seeking a film with heart, grit, and authenticity, The Seat is pole-position material.
