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Visit to the Senna Family
Newly crowned Formula 1 champion Kimi Antonelli arrived in Brazil ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, fulfilling a long-held dream to visit the home and family of Ayrton Senna. An avowed admirer of the three-time champion, the 20-year-old Italian hopes for a memorable result in Sunday's race after securing the title in Mexico to become the youngest champion in Formula 1 history. Welcomed warmly by the Senna family, Antonelli was shown the spaces where Senna used to spend his time and entered his bedroom, lingering as long as possible during the emotional visit. Heading into the race weekend at Interlagos, the Mercedes driver will also wear a special tribute helmet inspired by Senna.
Reflections on the Championship
Reflecting on the triumph in Mexico that made him the youngest champion in Formula 1 history, Antonelli admitted that the reality of the achievement remains difficult to fully assimilate. He recounted looking at the commemorative t-shirt given to him by the team that morning and wondering whether the situation was truly real, explaining that he still needs time to process everything. Antonelli noted that his thoughts are still catching up with the rapid succession of events, adding that full comprehension will likely arrive once he returns home and attends the end-of-year ceremony, while keeping his current focus on concluding the season in the best possible manner.
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Recognition from Rivals in Mexico
The Italian driver also expressed deep appreciation for the gesture by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who lifted the young Mercedes racer onto their shoulders following the race in Mexico. Antonelli explained that reviewing podium footage confirmed the authenticity of their celebration, revealing that he framed a photograph of the moment to hang on his wall as a lifelong keepsake. He noted that receiving spontaneous recognition initiated directly by two competitors who made history in the sport added an extra layer of meaning to the celebration, adding that he hopes to meet both drivers to thank them personally.
Hamilton's 400th Grand Prix Milestone
Antonelli also praised Hamilton as the British driver prepares to reach 400 Formula 1 Grands Prix at Interlagos. Commending the longevity demonstrated by Hamilton alongside Fernando Alonso at the highest level of competition, Antonelli highlighted their persistent hunger for victories, intense focus, and determination as an inspiring benchmark. The 20-year-old viewed Hamilton's sustained career as an encouraging sign for his own future, hoping to still compete at the highest level at age 41 while anticipating further battles on track.
Preparation for the São Paulo Grand Prix
Having raced through flu symptoms during a tense event in Mexico, Antonelli reported feeling much better entering the 22nd round of the 2026 season. While acknowledging the physical toll of back-to-back race weekends, he expected to feel calmer in the cockpit with the drivers' title secured. Nevertheless, Antonelli stressed that Mercedes still has the Constructors' Championship to win, emphasizing that his objective remains targeting race victories with unchanged determination. Track running for the São Paulo Grand Prix begins on Friday with free practice, followed by qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
Related reading: Antonelli Reflects on Historic F1 Title with Senna Tribute Set for São Paulo.
