Kimi Antonelli, a special day with Ayrton Senna’s family: “Unforgettable”
Kimi Antonelli paid tribute to Ayrton Senna in Brazil by climbing into the cockpit of the Formula 1 Lotus driven by the legendary Brazilian champion. It was an emotional moment for the Mercedes driver, fresh off his victory in the Formula 1 World Championship in Mexico City.
The 20-year-old from Bologna shared a photo on social media showing him sitting in the historic single-seater, surrounded by members of the Senna family, who welcomed him during his visit. Accompanying the photo was a message in Portuguese, in which Antonelli expressed his deep emotion: “An unforgettable day. Thank you to the entire Senna family. It will take a while before it fully sinks in, but I’ll carry these memories with me forever.”
The bond between Antonelli and Senna goes beyond mere admiration for his racing achievements. The Italian driver has always cited the Brazilian as his role model, so much so that he chose the number 12 for his Mercedes race car specifically in his honor. He reaffirmed this decision even after winning the world championship, explaining that he did not want to take the number 1 reserved for the reigning champion.
Antonelli had never hidden his desire to learn more about his idol’s story. Already last year, during the Brazilian Grand Prix, he had gone to the Morumbi Cemetery in São Paulo to visit Senna’s grave and lay a bouquet of flowers.
The trip to Brazil comes at a particularly significant time for the young Italian talent. After winning the world title in Mexico City, Antonelli moved to São Paulo, where another round of the world championship is scheduled for Sunday at the Interlagos circuit.
It will be his first Grand Prix as world champion, and it will hold even greater significance precisely because he is racing in Senna’s homeland. Furthermore, for the occasion, the Mercedes driver will take to the track wearing a special helmet dedicated to the Brazilian champion, also in honor of the 35th anniversary of his victory in the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix.
