Kimi Antonelli, the Italian driver who was crowned Formula 1 world champion on November 1st at the Mexican Grand Prix, has explained that faith is part of his everyday life. «Sì, sono credente. A volte vado anche da solo in chiesa per i fatti miei, a Natale sempre con papà» («Yes, I am a believer. Sometimes I also go alone to church for my own things, and at Christmas always with dad»), he replied to journalist Daniele Sparisci in an interview with the Corriere della Sera when asked about his relationship with God.
Antonelli, who was 20 years and 68 days old when he clinched the title with four races to spare, is the youngest champion in history, ahead of Sebastian Vettel’s record, and the first Italian to win the World Championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953. The simplicity of his answer contrasts with the magnitude of the achievement and points to a religiosity lived with discretion, without ostentation and partly in private.
A moment of prayer before winning in Monza
This personal practice has been evident at key moments of the season, as El Debate reports in a feature dedicated to his faith. Before his victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the driver stopped to pray in a small church in Portofino, where he sat alone on a bench to commend himself to God. After securing the title in Mexico, he was also seen with a rosary hanging from his neck, an uncommon gesture in the paddock.
Senna as a reference figure
Antonelli has said he draws inspiration from Ayrton Senna, not only for his talent behind the wheel, but also for the intense religious life of the Brazilian driver, who made his faith in God a pillar of his life and career. The young Italian seems to follow that path with a sober testimony, away from the spotlight. In the same interview he expressed gratitude to his family for making him study and for passing on life’s values, a recognition that ties in with the role his father plays in his religious practice, accompanying him to church every Christmas.