Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 20, won his first Formula 1 world title Sunday (1st) at the Mexican Grand Prix and revealed that he drew inspiration from three-time Brazilian champion Ayrton Senna during the season.
In an interview with Sky shortly after securing the championship, the Mercedes driver said he returned to watching Senna interviews to understand how the Brazilian approached races and the challenges of a season.
“Ayrton will always be a source of inspiration, not only as a driver but also as a person. This year, I went back to watching many of his interviews to better understand how he approached races and the season as a whole,” Antonelli said, according to ANSA.
His admiration for the three-time champion also explains his choice of the No. 12, used by Senna during his stints with Lotus and McLaren. Even after winning the title, the Italian plans to keep the number on his car.
“He will always be a reference for me and my family,” he said.
“I will continue with No. 12: It is a way to keep my feet on the ground, to try to repeat what I achieved,” he added.
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Tribute to Senna in Brazil
Antonelli’s connection with the Brazilian idol will have a new chapter this week. After celebrating the title in Mexico, the Italian will travel to São Paulo, where he has a visit scheduled to the Ayrton Senna Foundation, accompanied by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
The tribute will take place before the São Paulo Grand Prix, scheduled for Nov. 6-8 at the Interlagos Autodrome.
Antonelli’s admiration for Senna dates back years. Even before making his Formula 1 debut, the Italian had already explained that he chose No. 12, among other reasons, because of his identification with the three-time world champion, who died in 1994 during the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola.
Title ends Italy’s more than seven-decade drought
At 20, Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, surpassing the record held by German driver Sebastian Vettel.
The achievement also ended a drought of more than seven decades for Italy, which had not had a world drivers’ champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated the achievement on social media and highlighted the young driver’s talent, determination and dedication.
