Kimi Antonelli has become Formula One's youngest champion ever, and his focus remains firmly on winning more races. Days after securing the title, he arrived in Sao Paulo thinking only about the next challenge. "We just want to win more and more," he said. "We're in Brazil and the goal is to try to win this weekend."
A Different Kind of Champion
His boss, Toto Wolff, believes Antonelli represents a shift in what it means to be a champion. "This notion of win at all costs. Selfish, opportunistic, ruthless for your own benefit – that model of racing driver has died," Wolff said. "We have a new champion that represents values like humility, integrity, loyalty, respect."
Antonelli has also shown a sentimental side, planning to frame a photo of him sitting on the shoulders of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the podium in Mexico after confirming his crown. The picture will be placed on a wall at home.
Paying Homage to Senna
He will continue to race with the number 12, declining the chance to display the number one as world champion, to honor his racing idol, Ayrton Senna, who used the same number in his first championship year. In Sao Paulo, Antonelli is also using a tribute helmet to the late Brazilian legend and spent time with the Senna family. He received a bust of his idol, created by Senna's niece Paula, who is at Interlagos this weekend.
At just 20 years old, Antonelli is four years younger than Senna was when he debuted in F1 in 1984. He could match or beat Senna's three-time world champion status by the time he is 24, and has the potential for another 20 years at the pinnacle of motorsport.
