Race and classic pictures

Driven by a legend: Antonelli’s heartfelt tribute to Senna

Some moments touch the soul in ways no championship trophy ever could.

Ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo GP, freshly crowned F1 World Champion Kimi Antonelli spent a unforgettable day in Brazil immersed in motor racing history, sharing a deeply personal tribute with the family of his childhood idol, Ayrton Senna.

Flanked by his father and Ayrton’s nieces and nephew – Bianca, Lalalli, and Bruno Senna – the 20-year-old Italian stepped inside the cockpit of the great Brazilian’s iconic Lotus 98T.

Painted in its classic black-and-gold livery, the machine bore the famous number ‘12’—the very number Kimi carries into his own racing career.

For Antonelli, Senna’s influence stretches far beyond the legendary victories and world titles; it lies in the passion, spirit, and heart Ayrton brought to the sport.

Sitting in that historic cockpit alongside the Senna family created a bridge across time. Different generations. Different journeys. Yet bound together by one immortal legacy, as Ayrton’s memory continues to inspire the champion Kimi has become.

“Unforgettable day,” the 2026 world champion wrote on Instagram. “Obrigado to the whole Senna family. It will take some time to sink in, but I will carry these memories with me forever.”

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Wolff ‘reflecting every day’ on his Mercedes future

Kimi Antonelli’s coronation last weekend in Mexico is one of the most rewarding moments of…

2 hours ago

Cadillac hands Herta crucial sixth FP1 outing in Brazil

Cadillac has given Colton Herta another shot at securing his Formula 1 future, with the…

3 hours ago

McLaren brings 2027 thinking into its Brazil upgrade push

McLaren is refusing to let its recent dip in form derail its development ambitions, with…

4 hours ago

Camara gets F1 race debut in Sao Paulo as Haas drops Ocon

Haas has confirmed that Ferrari junior Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at…

16 hours ago

Rosberg: ‘It's always Charles' fault, isn't it?’

Nico Rosberg has delivered a decidedly uncomfortable verdict on Ferrari's latest intra-team flashpoint, pointing the…

19 hours ago

Honda reveals what triggered Aston Martin's Mexico nightmare

Honda has admitted that it underestimated the brutal cooling demands of Mexico City, shedding light…

20 hours ago