Kimi Antonelli Ayrton Senna tribute after becoming youngest F1 champion, Digi Mart USA News: Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli paid an emotional tribute to his childhood idol, Ayrton Senna, saying the legendary Brazilian driver’s talent and dedication will continue to guide his career after becoming the youngest driver to win the title.
The 20-year-old Italian clinched the championship after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix last Sunday. He spent time with members of the Senna family ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
During his stay in Brazil, Antonelli sat in the cockpit of the 1986 Lotus once driven by the Brazilian legend and visited his grave for the second consecutive year.
“Definitely the driver he was, was incredible. But also his work ethic, his attitude, how dedicated he was and how much passion he had for the sport.
Plus the person he was, very empathetic, someone who tried to give back what he received. All those things caught my attention since I was a child, and that is why I was inspired by him from such a young age,” Antonelli said at an event in São Paulo.
The magnitude of Antonelli’s achievement was also marked by a video message from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, whose record as the youngest champion in Formula 1 history was surpassed by the Italian driver. The former German driver advised the young Mercedes driver to enjoy the moment and stay focused despite changing perceptions from others.
“Seb’s message was very profound. He says things that are very true, that my life will definitely change a lot after this, but he also tells me to keep my feet on the ground because, at the end of the day, there is still a race to win.
So it is a very important and beautiful message from him,” the new champion said.
Looking back on his breakthrough season, Antonelli acknowledged that his second-place finish at Interlagos during the 2025 season was fundamental in building the momentum that carried him to this year’s title. He said that result gave him the confidence to overcome difficult moments and approach the championship with a winning mindset.
With the title secured, the young driver made clear that his ambitions do not stop with this achievement and that he will maintain maximum commitment on track.
“We have taken the first big step, but there are many more to come. The goal is to try to win as much as possible, to be very successful for as long as possible.
We are going to try to improve and come back even stronger,” Antonelli concluded.
