Kimi Antonelli says the support he receives in Brazil makes the São Paulo Grand Prix feel like a home race. The Mercedes driver hopes to repay fans with a victory at Interlagos, which would be his first at the event.
“If I could choose one race to win, it would be this one. I want to win here in Brazil,” Antonelli said at an event in São Paulo on Wednesday.
His connection with the country is closely tied to his admiration for Ayrton Senna. Antonelli wears car number 12 in tribute to the three-time champion and said Senna’s influence, both on and off the track, is important to him. He also visited Senna’s family at the Fazenda Dois Lagos in Tatuí after arriving in Brazil, and visited the driver’s grave during race week, as he did in 2025.
Antonelli said Brazilian fans’ support grew after a photograph of his visit to Senna’s grave circulated, but added that the welcome had been strong throughout the year. “It’s why I’m so excited to come here. It feels like a home race, even though it isn’t,” he said.
The Italian arrives as champion after securing the title with a third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix. He had needed only two points to clinch the championship. On the podium, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and four-time champion Max Verstappen lifted him, bringing together drivers with 12 titles between them.
Antonelli also spoke about Brazil’s current and incoming Formula 1 drivers, Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi and Rafa Câmara, who is set to make his debut with Haas at the São Paulo Grand Prix. He said he hopes to race against both in competitive cars in the future, adding that they are talented and deserve the opportunity to fight near the front.
Sources: Folha Esporte.