Antonelli touched by Hamilton's message: "I keep it hanging on my bedroom wall"

A special weekend for Kimi Antonelli, the Imola Grand Prix will take place just a few kilometers from his home. At 18, the Mercedes driver is approaching this event with calm, but he is aware of the pressure on his shoulders.

Published 15/05/2025 à 16:45

Mathieu Chambenoit

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Antonelli touched by Hamilton's message: "I keep it hanging on my bedroom wall"

© Alberto Vimercati / DPPI

In many ways, Kimi Antonelli could be the attraction of the weekend at Imola. “Monza is also a home race, but here I live 30 minutes away, he reveals in a press conference. So for me, it's really my home race. I love this circuit, it's demanding, old-school, very fun to drive. And it will be very special to race in front of my family, friends and the Italian fans."

The first Italian rider to race in front of a home crowd since Antonio Giovinazzi in 2021, Kimi Antonelli has a clear chance of putting in a good performance, unlike the slim chances of the Italian rider Alfa Romeo before him. In this sense, expectations are high, as is the confidence of the interested party after a great weekend completed in Miami during the last deadline.

"I have much more confidence than in Melbourne. I've made a lot of progress in managing my tires, putting them in the right window. Miami was a real step forward, the sprint was great, qualifying too, he explainsIt gave me confidence, even though the race wasn't good. But I'm ready for the European season, I know these circuits better. I can focus on both driving and technical feedback for the team."

Italian F4 Champion with Prema just two seasons ago, the young driver Mercedes does not want to be overconfident. Regarding a possible podium finish in front of the Italian public, Antonelli prefers not to make any predictions. In the family, we are very superstitious, so we avoid talking about it too much, he confessed with a smileIn Miami, I was thinking about the podium, and it went badly. So I'm taking things step by step. But of course, a podium here would be a dream. That's the goal. I want to win, but let's be realistic: a podium here would already be incredible.

Still significant progress to be made with Mercedes

Benefiting from a visibly attentive entourage, both on a personal level and within his team, Kimi Antonelli hopes to take advantage of the few developments planned this weekend to perform. “I still have a lot to learn, but the team is doing a great job. The car is consistent, which helps build confidence. The gap to McLaren is still important. In Miami, they were untouchable. We have updates this weekend, I hope that will help us. The team is very motivated." he rejoiced.

However, the Italian feels his lack of experience weighs on him when the details make the biggest difference. In Miami, while he was fighting up front, consistent performances seemed to be the hardest area to work on. "What I need to improve is consistency over a whole weekend, he confessed. There are so many variables in F1 It's so hard to get everything in line. Qualifying, race, tires... every detail counts."

Lewis Hamilton's inspiration

Emotionally intense according to his words, this weekend in Imola is also the occasion for Kimi Antonelli to discover the note left by Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes motorhome last year. As a reminder, the seven-time world champion took advantage of his last moments in his European quarters alongside Mercedes to leave a note, written on a piece of paper, in the room that would become the property of the young Italian this year.

“It was very moving. Seeing the human side of Lewis, not just the champion. Far from remaining indifferent to this attention, Kimi Antonelli wishes to draw inspiration from it to draw energy and motivation from it.His message touched me, it's a source of motivation. I keep it hanging on my bedroom wall. Every time I see it, I remember why I do this.

This weekend, Kimi Antonelli will tackle his seventh Formula 1 Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton will race for the 363rd time in his career.

ALSO READ > Ahead of Imola, Mercedes highlights the progress made this season

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