Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli is set for the most emotional race weekend of his burgeoning Formula 1 career as he gears up for his first home Grand Prix at Imola.
The massively gifted 18-year-old, who claimed the youngest-ever pole position in F1 in Sprint Qualifying at Miami, will become the first Italian driver since Antonio Giovinazzi in 2021 to race in front of a home crowd.
But for Antonelli, this one is even more personal — the Imola circuit is just a short drive from his front door.
Adding a heartfelt twist to this milestone, the young driver has finally had the chance to read a handwritten note left by his predecessor, Lewis Hamilton, in the Mercedes motorhome – a gesture that has left an indelible mark on the teenager.
“It’s My Proper Home Race”
For Antonelli, Imola isn't just another dot on the calendar – it’s the spiritual start line of a dream.
“It feels amazing,” he said when asked about the significance of his first Italian Grand Prix in Formula 1.
“I think this one is my proper home race because, of course we have Monza as well, but I live probably 30 minutes away from the track, so I would say it is my proper home race.”
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, with its fast-flowing corners and unforgiving layout, has long been a favourite among purists and drivers alike, and Antonelli is no exception.
“I’m really excited, I really like the track as well. I think it’s a really challenging track, old school, but it’s really good fun to drive here,” he said.
“Of course I feel the weekend is going to be a special one, especially racing in front of all the Italian fans, my family, friends. So it’s going to be intense as well, but really excited to hit the track tomorrow.”
An Emotional Drain
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, with its narrow, unforgiving corners and rich history, is a fitting stage for Antonelli’s seventh F1 race.
But the intensity of a home Grand Prix brings unique challenges. The rookie, wise beyond his years, is acutely aware of the emotional toll this weekend could take.
“Definitely this weekend is going to be emotionally and mentally draining,” he explained.
“I mean, home race in front of the Italian fans, my family and friends will be attending, so it’s going to be really important to manage the energy, especially in those moments where I can, and not to waste energy in something that is not useful.
"It’s going to be important to stay on top of that, because it’s really easy to hit the bottom of the pack before the end of the weekend. Already a normal weekend is very tiring and draining, so this is like double.
“So of course I’m going to try to protect myself, also the fact that I’ve got good people around me really helps that, and we’re all aligned that this weekend is going to be tough, so we’re preparing and we’re quite well prepared.”
“At the end of the day, it’s another race weekend, but obviously it’s going to be different. At the same time, it’s going to be exciting. I think the energy is going to be amazing and can be also used to do even better on track. Really looking forward to see how we go this weekend.”
A Note from the Past, A Drive for the Future
Thursday marked a quietly touching moment in the paddock for Antonelli. With the start of the European leg of the season, the young gun finally spent time in the Mercedes motorhome where Hamilton spent his final races with the team last year.
It was there, in his rpivate driver’s room, that the young Italian found a handwritten note left by the driver he grew up watching – a personal message from one generation to the next.
“It [says] a lot on how Lewis is as a person,” Antonelli said. “I think I could see a lot of the human side of Lewis, not only the driver.”
“Reading the message, it fulfilled my heart to receive such a message from such a figure in the sport. He has done so much and he’s still right there, giving his best, and he’s one of the best in history.”
“To receive such a message, it’s amazing, and of course also in the message it contained also some advice, and I use it as a motivation to go out there and do my best, because it doesn’t happen every day.”
Read also: Antonelli’s star qualifying shows future promise, says Wolff
And in a testament to the impact of those words, Antonelli has decided not to tuck the note away in a drawer.
“Yes, it’s actually on the wall so I will keep it there, because I think the message is so nice that I just want to leave it there,” he said.
“Every day I’m in the room, every time I enter the room, I can see the message, and it’s also a really good reminder.”
As Antonelli prepares to take to the track this weekend, the roar of the tifosi won’t be the only thing in his ears — the encouragement of a seven-time world champion will echo in his thoughts, serving as a guiding force in the biggest moment of his young career so far.
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