Kimi Antonelli is no longer content with just racking up victories: championship leader after an exceptional start to the season, the Mercedes driver is also discovering the consequences of his notoriety.
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With six victories in the first ten races of the season, the Italian approaches the Hungarian Grand Prix with a comfortable 45-point lead over his closest pursuer and 50 units over his teammate George Russell.
These performances have made him one of the biggest stars of Italian sport at just 19 years old.
A more complicated private life
This growing popularity is particularly visible when he returns to his country: ” It’s great to see all this support when I return to Italy. Italians are very emotional and express their emotions easily. Seeing so much enthusiasm is really pleasant. “
The young driver acknowledges, however, that this fervor also comes with increasingly important expectations: “You also have to be careful about the expectations that are created around you. But it’s always a pleasure to return home, especially after a good weekend, and to feel so much support. “
Like many high-level athletes, Antonelli must now contend with a celebrity that makes everyday moments much less anonymous: “There are obviously times when you’d prefer not to be recognized, for example when you go out to dinner at a restaurant. But that’s part of an athlete’s life. “
Newfound fame and advice from Roger Federer
The Italian teenager nevertheless assures that he accepts this new reality with philosophy: “As long as you manage to enjoy these moments, it’s also something very pleasant. Of course, there are sometimes occasions when I would like to go unnoticed, but I know that’s part of the job and I’m very happy about it. “
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This new dimension of his career also allowed him to experience unprecedented things. The day after the British Grand Prix, where a wheel guard had prematurely ended his race, Antonelli went to Wimbledon for the first time. Seated in the Royal Box, he was notably able to chat with Roger Federer, eight-time winner of the London tournament.
“It was an incredible experience. It was my first time at Wimbledon,” explained the Mercedes driver. “In recent years, I’ve become more and more interested in tennis. Knowing Jannik Sinner also made me want to follow this sport. “
Beyond the tournament, Antonelli especially remembers his conversation with the Swiss legend: “We talked about my races, his career, but also his life in general. It was truly a great moment. In addition to being an immense champion, he is an extremely humble and very open person. “
“Think one race at a time”
Federer also gave him some precious advice for managing the pressure associated with the fight for the world title: “He told me to focus on one race at a time, only on the things I can control, and above all to master my emotions, especially those that can lead to making mistakes. “
Recommendations that Antonelli seems determined to apply as the pressure continues to mount. While celebrity has profoundly changed his daily life, the young Italian intends to maintain the same methodical approach that allowed him to take command of the championship.
With a comfortable lead before the Hungarian Grand Prix, which marks the halfway point of the season, Kimi wants above all to remain focused on his goal: to win his first Formula 1 world title.
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