Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes’ rising star, will line up for his first home Formula 1 race this weekend at the F1 Imola GP, held at the iconic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. While the 18-year-old won’t be driving for Ferrari, the beloved red team of Italian motorsport, his presence alone is enough to electrify the local fans.
A first home race for rookie Antonelli
Racing in front of a home crowd is always special, and for Antonelli, Imola is truly home turf. Reflecting on the significance of his first home race in the press conference, Antonelli shared his excitement: “For sure, it feels amazing.”
Though Italy hosts two Grands Prix – Imola and Monza – Antonelli considers this one particularly personal.
“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 [here]. So, I would say it is my proper home.”
He further expressed his enthusiasm for the track itself, praising its traditional layout and technical challenge.
“I’m really excited. I really like the track as well. I think it’s a really challenging track, old-school. It’s really good fun to drive around here.”
Driving in Ferrari’s backyard
Despite driving for Mercedes, Antonelli is well aware of Ferrari’s overwhelming popularity in Italy. When asked about fan support in Italy as a Mercedes driver, he jokingly hoped to see “more Kimi Antonelli [flags]! But yeah, Ferrari is so big that it would be a bit ambitious to see more of my flags. But I would not complain.”
This light-hearted acknowledgment highlights the unique position Antonelli holds – an Italian racing for one of Ferrari’s biggest rivals, especially this season – adding an intriguing layer to his home race narrative.
Confidence builds as European season kicks off
With the Formula 1 season now entering the European phase, beginning at Imola, Antonelli expressed growing confidence in both his car and his own approach:
“[…] Now that we’re into the European season — definitely tracks that I know much better — definitely the approach will be different. I can focus a lot on driving, but also I can focus more on trying to give the best advice about the car to the engineers in order to improve and progress even more during the weekend. So definitely really excited to start the European season.”
This sense of familiarity with the circuits and increasing involvement in car development provides a strong foundation as he prepares to race on home soil for the first time.
Eyeing the podium at Imola
Although Antonelli admits that standing atop the podium at Imola would be a dream come true, his sights are realistically set on securing a place in the top three.
“[…] Of course, sometimes it happens to think it would be amazing to get a podium, especially at the home race, and that’s for sure the goal. To step on the podium would be the ultimate goal.
“Of course I want to win, but looking at it in a more realistic way, I think doing a podium here would be the dream and that’s what I’m really going to push for.”
Even though Antonelli has yet to finish on the podium so far this season, Mercedes have brought new encouraging development to his W16 that could bring the Italian closer to his “ultimate goal”: “[…] Again, this weekend we will have a few updates on the car and hopefully that will help us to make a step forward and to keep working […].”
Pressure under the spotlight
Antonelli acknowledges the emotional weight of racing in front of family, friends, and a passionate crowd.
“[…] I feel this weekend is going to be a special one, especially racing in front of all the Italian fans, my family, and friends. So it’s going to be intense as well. But yeah, really excited to hit the track tomorrow and see what we can do.”
The added attention brings both excitement and strain.
“[…] This weekend is going to be emotionally and mentally draining” recognized Antonelli. On top of driving in his “home race in front of the Italian fans”, the Mercedes’ driver’s “family and friends will be attending”.
Antonelli further expanded on the challenges that await him at the Imola GP:
“So it’s going to be really important to manage the energy, especially in those moments where I can, and not waste energy on things that are 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.”
Racing on home soil at Imola, the Italian conceded, adds its own unique pressure.
“Already a normal weekend is very tiring and draining, so this is like double. Of course I’m going to try to protect myself. The fact that I’ve got really good people around me really helps. We’re all aligned that this weekend is going to be tough. We’re preparing and I think we’re quite well prepared.”
An exciting legacy track
With plenty on the line at his home race, Antonelli made it clear he’s excited for the challenge.
“At the end of the day, it’s another race weekend, but because of the circumstances it’s going to be different. At the same time, it’s going to be really exciting. I think the energy is going to be amazing and that can be used to do even better on track. Really looking forward to see how we go this weekend.”
Antonelli made a passionate case for keeping Imola on the Formula 1 calendar, noting its uniqueness and challenge.
“[…] About the race — yeah, I would love for it to stay on the calendar. It’s such a unique track. As I said before, it’s technical, it not easy, especially over one lap, to put everything together. It’s old school, quite bumpy. All things that make it special. The history of this track is incredible. Definitely I would love if there were the chance for the track to stay on the calendar next year and for the next few years of course.” hoped Antonelli.
Fuelled by Italian support
Reiterating the incredible atmosphere surrounding the Imola GP, especially as an Italian driver, Antonelli is inspired by the massive wave of local support, which he sees as a source of strength.
“Yeah, I mean it does feel real, definitely. It took me a little bit to realise this moment — that for the first time, I will be racing in F1 at my home race. At the same time, it’s super exciting. As I said, the energy is going to be incredible, especially to see so many Italian fans.
“At the end of the session I’ll have a proper look around and probably give a little wave to everyone because it’s so important to have such support. It can really help and motivate you to go on track and do even better […].”
Hoping to satisfy his compatriots, Antonelli aims for a strong performance at the Imola GP.
“I think it would be really good to do a strong result also for all of them — for everyone coming to the weekend and taking time out of their day to attend the race. It would be a good thing to do a strong weekend — for myself, for the team, but also for them.”
