Kimi Antonelli’s historic Formula 1 title victory was followed by an emotional and exuberant celebration with Mercedes in Mexico City. After tears and an unforgettable podium alongside Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the Italian driver joined his team and family for a champagne and tequila celebration in the garage after completing his post-race media duties.
Antonelli is known for avoiding alcohol, but Mercedes team members had been eager to mark the occasion properly. Team principal Toto Wolff had joked before the Mexican Grand Prix that the time had come for the Italian to try his first tequila in celebration of the world title. Before the celebrations began, Antonelli asked the team to spare his mother Veronica and younger sister Maggie from the customary alcohol shower.
The festivities continued after Antonelli left the Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, where he became the first Italian drivers’ champion in 73 years, since Alberto Ascari. In footage shared by Mercedes, the 20-year-old from Bologna was seen carrying away the panel created to commemorate his title. When told that the panel looked impressive, Antonelli smiled and replied that he would “steal” it.
The new Mercedes champion now faces a busy schedule before next week’s Brazilian Grand Prix. He is due to remain in Mexico for events during the morning before travelling to São Paulo in the evening. There, he is expected to visit the Senna Foundation with Wolff to pay tribute to the Brazilian Formula 1 legend who inspires him, before turning his attention back to track and paddock activities at Interlagos.
Sources: ANSA Sport.