Reported
Antonelli's father reflects on formative years
Kimi Antonelli's father Marco discusses his son's early talent, including first F1 championship season. Reported by S1.
Finnish-rooted driver Kimi Antonelli's father Marco recently shared insights into his son's prodigious talent and upbringing within motorsport, as reported by BBC Sport. This candid look reveals a childhood steeped in racing, potentially laying the foundation for Antonelli's current dominance in the 2026 Formula 1 championship where he leads with 219 points after 11 rounds.
Early Mechanical Aptitude
Marco Antonelli, a former driver himself and owner of a Lamborghini sports car team, recounted that his son, Kimi, was exposed to the racing environment from an extremely young age. Marco stated that "Kimi from 15 days old was in the garage and heard the sound of the engine and the smell of the exhaust," suggesting an early, almost innate connection to the world of motorsports. This immersion continued, with Kimi reportedly spending considerable time around the family's racing business, which Marco operated with his wife Veronica. This constant exposure to the sights, sounds, and smells of racing likely fostered a deep understanding and passion for the sport before Kimi even began competing.
Unmistakable Talent Behind the Wheel
Kimi's exceptional driving abilities became evident very early on, with his father recalling two particularly striking instances. When Kimi was approximately three years old, he showed remarkable persistence on a motor racing simulator that Marco had brought home for the Christmas holidays. Each evening, Kimi would insist on driving, sitting on his father's lap and controlling the steering, while Marco handled the pedals. Marco remembered one night when he nearly fell asleep, causing a crash on the simulator, and Kimi exclaimed, "Dad, dad, no sleep, no sleep. I have to drive," showcasing his intense focus even as a toddler.
Seven years later, at the age of 10, Kimi's talent was even more starkly demonstrated at the Adria circuit in Italy. After competing in a karting race, Kimi was given the opportunity to drive his father's Lamborghini sports car. With Marco controlling the throttle and brake, Kimi took charge of the steering and gear changes. Despite Marco's impaired view, relying only on marker panels, he pushed the car to its limit, reaching 320 km/h. During a hard braking manoeuvre that induced significant oversteer, Kimi controlled the car perfectly. Marco, upon reviewing the video, concluded, "Maybe he has something special," recognizing the extraordinary skill his young son displayed under extreme conditions. This early demonstration of car control and composure has evidently translated into his current F1 performance, where he has secured 6 wins this season, significantly contributing to his 219 points in the drivers' championship.
F1 Championship Trajectory
Now 19, Kimi Antonelli is dominating the current Formula 1 season, an impressive feat for a driver in only his second year in the pinnacle of motorsport. His current lead of 50 points over second-placed Lewis Hamilton (169 points) underscores the impact of his early experiences and the rigorous training he received. Marco Antonelli's reflections provide a compelling narrative of a talent cultivated from infancy, positioning Kimi as a truly unique prospect in modern Formula 1. The next F1 round, the Dutch Grand Prix, is scheduled for the 21st of August, with the first session commencing at 13:30 Finnish time, where Antonelli will aim to extend his championship lead.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Reported, which means a newsroom we cite carries this but the people involved have not confirmed it. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Aino Virtanen.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- BBC Sportbbc.co.uk
