The short version
- Kimi Antonelli treats the final races of the current season as the start of his campaign to retain the world championship in 2027.
- The Mercedes driver paid tribute to Ayrton Senna by visiting his family and wearing a special helmet design at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
- Antonelli expressed deep gratitude for being lifted by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the podium after securing the title in Mexico.
Kimi Antonelli has officially shifted his mindset from celebrating a historic victory to preparing for the defense of his crown. The twenty-year-old Mercedes driver, who secured the Formula One world championship in only his second season, stated that his preparation for the 2027 campaign begins immediately with the remaining races of the current year. He clinched the title in Mexico City last weekend, establishing himself as the youngest champion in the sport's history by a margin of more than three years.
Antonelli emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through the end of the season. He noted that finishing strongly is essential for building confidence ahead of next year’s challenges. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix marks his first race since securing the championship, and he expressed excitement about using this opportunity to cap off the current season on a high note. This strategic approach underscores a professional maturity that belies his age, as he looks beyond the immediate celebration to long-term success.
The weekend in Brazil carries additional emotional weight due to a tribute to Ayrton Senna. Antonelli visited the property of the late Brazilian legend’s family earlier in the week and had the chance to sit inside one of Senna’s Lotus cars from the 1980s. In honor of this connection, he is wearing a new helmet design inspired by Senna at Interlagos. This gesture highlights the deep respect within the racing community for its past icons and Antonelli’s place within that lineage.
Despite the forward-looking strategy, Antonelli admitted that the reality of his achievement has not fully sunk in. He described the sequence of events following his title win as overwhelming, leaving him with little time to process the magnitude of his success. The rapid transition from clinching the championship to engaging with the Senna family created a whirlwind experience that he wished he could pause to reflect upon more deeply. He characterized the feeling of being world champion as surreal, indicating that the emotional impact is still unfolding.
One particular moment from the victory celebration in Mexico stands out as especially significant for Antonelli. After the race, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lifted him onto their shoulders on the podium. Antonelli described this act as a cherished memory that he has already framed for his wall. He expressed profound gratitude to both drivers, noting that receiving such recognition from two figures who have shaped the history of the sport was incredibly special.
The authenticity of the gesture resonated deeply with the young champion. Antonelli appreciated that the action was genuine and not merely a staged photo opportunity. He acknowledged that he had never expected to celebrate his title in such a manner, calling it the cherry on top of an already extraordinary experience. The support from his peers serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance within the elite ranks of Formula One.
Looking ahead, Antonelli hopes to find a quieter moment to properly thank Hamilton and Verstappen for their kindness. The immediate aftermath of the race was too chaotic for a detailed expression of gratitude, but he intends to reconnect with them when circumstances allow. This desire for personal connection amidst the public spectacle reflects his grounded approach to fame and success.
As the season draws to a close, Antonelli’s dual focus on performance and reflection provides insight into the pressures facing new champions. The transition from contender to title holder requires not only technical skill but also emotional resilience. His comments suggest a driver who is aware of the expectations placed upon him and is actively managing them through disciplined preparation and meaningful tributes.
The upcoming race in Sao Paulo will serve as a test of this mindset. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Antonelli balances the excitement of his historic achievement with the serious business of defending his title. His ability to maintain focus while honoring the sport’s heritage may well define his trajectory in the years to come.
The narrative surrounding Antonelli’s rise continues to evolve, blending personal milestones with professional ambitions. From being described as a boy born in a garage to becoming a world champion, his journey has captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts. The final races of the season offer a platform for him to solidify his status and set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing 2027 campaign.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Antonelli says 2027 preparation starts now
