World Champion Kimi Antonelli in Ayrton Senna’s Lotus: “Highly emotional”

So Kimi Antonelli is Formula 1 World Champion. Whilst still in Mexico, the 20-year-old from Bologna had assured everyone: “We hadn’t planned any celebrations there; we’ve still got the race in Brazil to come. Only then will we finally head back to Italy. And then I’ll be going full throttle when it comes to partying. I can already tell you that I won’t be flying to Las Vegas in the best of shape.”

“Everything’s happening so fast – one minute I was in Mexico, the next I’m already here in Brazil. The days are just flying by. It would have been nice to sit down for a moment and reflect a little on everything that’s happened.”

Kimi Antonelli is asked about Lewis Hamilton’s 400th Grand Prix at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, São Paulo, whilst in the paddock: “What a number! I don’t even know how many races I’ve done. What? I’m racing in my 44th GP here? That’s mad! That’s Lewis’s favourite start number, after all!”

“I reckon I’ve still got a long way to go before my 400th Grand Prix. In any case, I’ll be going to see Lewis and Max Verstappen as well. Because it meant a lot to me that they lifted me onto their shoulders. And it was lovely to feel that their joy for me was genuine. As I said back in Mexico – this photo will get a place of honour at home, so that I’ll walk past it time and again and be reminded of that wonderful moment. I’ve already had the photo framed!”

“To be shown so much respect by two such outstanding drivers is really lovely for me. It wasn’t planned; it was spontaneous, and that makes it even nicer.”

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“And as for Lewis’s 400th race – it’s simply fabulous how he’s still delivering such performances at this age and with all those Grands Prix under his belt, and the same goes for Fernando Alonso. It’s a privilege for me to share the track with him.”

World Champion Kimi Antonelli met Ayrton Senna’s family in Brazil, visited the grave of the unforgettable champion and even sat in the Brazilian racing legend’s Lotus. Kimi says: “It was incredibly emotional; I’ll never forget that day. I’m very grateful to the family. I would have loved never to get out of the Lotus; I wanted to savour every second. The family couldn’t have been kinder and showed me places where Ayrton used to enjoy spending time. Knowing that Ayrton was here moved me deeply.”

There was talk that it had been easier for a young driver like Kimi to adapt to the 2026 cars than for a veteran driver. Antonelli disagrees: “No, I had to adapt too, because the 2025 car is completely different. And on certain circuits, you really have to think carefully about how the power unit will react – and drive accordingly. But I wouldn’t say that everything was easy for me.”

Kimi’s goal for Brazil: “My preparation for 2027 starts now. I want to finish the season on a high so I can go into the coming season with full momentum.”

“But to be honest: it still feels a bit surreal when I see a team shirt with the words – Kimi Antonelli, 2026 World Champion. That’s why I’ll be quite glad when the season’s over; then I can let it all sink in. At the moment, my brain’s almost a bit overloaded with all these impressions.”

“All my viruses vanished to Mexico after the party on Sunday evening! I feel better than I did a few days ago. Not 100 per cent yet, but nobody who’s doing so many races is at 100 per cent at the moment. On the track, I can be more relaxed and enjoy the driving more. But my rivals need to watch out – I’m not going to sit back. I also want to help Mercedes win the Constructors’ Championship here.”