Kimi Antonelli, currently in his rookie Formula 1 season, has credited vital advice from MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi for helping him navigate the pressures of top-level motorsport. The 18-year-old Italian, who replaced Lewis Hamilton alongside George Russell at Mercedes for the 2025 season, is using Rossi’s counsel to maintain focus amid a demanding calendar.
Twelve races into his first grand prix campaign, Antonelli has already secured a sprint race pole and his first podium during the Canadian Grand Prix, highlighting his potential as a rising star in motorsport. However, a recent stretch through the European leg of the championship tested him, where unexpected challenges prompted reflection and adaptation influenced by Rossi’s support.
How Rossi’s Advice Helped Antonelli Prioritize Personal Well-being
In exclusive conversations ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Antonelli detailed his relationship with Rossi, explaining how the seven-time MotoGP world champion has become a significant mentor. Their bond has grown through shared time away from the track, particularly during a karting outing earlier this year between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.
Antonelli described Rossi as
“a really cool dude to hang around with. Really funny, really easy guy,”
highlighting both their friendship and Rossi’s approachable nature. Beyond camaraderie, Rossi imparted critical advice about managing the high demands of a racing career.
Antonelli explained,
“He was telling me if I say no sometimes it’s not a problem because at the end of the day there’s so much going on that I have to really prioritise.”
He emphasized the importance of creating space for himself, noting that balancing commitments is essential to staying energetic and relaxed for racing.
Further reiterating Rossi’s counsel, Antonelli stated,
“That’s one of the main pieces of advice which is take [time for myself] when I can and take care of myself, because it’s really important.”
Drawing from Rossi’s extensive experience with the pressures of professional motorsport, Antonelli values this perspective on self-care as foundational for sustaining performance and enjoyment on the track.
Challenging Moments and the Influence of Rossi’s Mentorship
Antonelli’s home race at Imola was a tough weekend, where after qualifying 13th, he retired from the race. Surrounded by family, friends, and even classmates he had invited, the young driver recognized the challenge of managing his energy throughout such a demanding event. He acknowledged,
“didn’t manage the energy that well”
, a realization that underscored the relevance of Rossi’s advice in adjusting his approach going forward.
Such experiences have reinforced Antonelli’s focus on balance between professional commitments and personal well-being, with Rossi’s guidance helping him to navigate the intensity of his rookie campaign with greater steadiness.
Plans to Connect with the MotoGP Community During the Summer Break
Looking ahead, Antonelli revealed intentions to visit the San Marino MotoGP event at Misano, occurring one week after the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This period will also allow him to spend time with Rossi and other MotoGP riders, reinforcing his connections within the broader motorsport world.
He shared,
“In the summer break definitely, not only with Vale, but also with all of the other riders,”
and added,
“I’m lucky to have a good relationship with all of them.”
These ties highlight Antonelli’s integration into a community that blends different disciplines yet shares a common passion, providing valuable support and inspiration throughout his ongoing F1 journey.
Antonelli’s Growing Reputation and Future Potential
With early successes including a sprint race pole position and podium finish, Kimi Antonelli is quickly marking himself as a potential motorsport superstar from Italy, carrying forward the legacy of national icons like Valentino Rossi. His rookie season experiences, shaped in part by Rossi’s practical advice about prioritizing well-being, are setting a foundation for sustainable growth in the competitive world of Formula 1.
As the season continues, the lessons learned and relationships built both on and off the track will likely shape Antonelli’s development, with fans and experts alike watching closely to see how this promising talent progresses into his sophomore campaign and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Kimi Antonelli crash?
A. Antonelli, a rookie driver for Mercedes who is 18 years old, crashed into Verstappen’s Red Bull car. This happened when he lost control of his brakes at the third corner during the first lap on Sunday. Both cars were too damaged to keep racing, which seriously affected Verstappen’s chances of winning the championship.
Q. Why did Kimi Antonelli crash?
A. The Austrian Grand Prix will continue until 2041. Antonelli said, “I didn’t really brake too late.” He explained that when he applied the brakes, he did it forcefully. This action caused the back wheels to lock, making it impossible to steer the car. He was approaching too fast, so the accident couldn’t be avoided.
Q. How old was Kimi Antonelli when he was in F4?
A. He first raced cars when he was only 15 years old. Soon after, he won titles in the Italian and ADAC F4 championships in 2022. The next year, he also achieved success in the Formula Regional Middle East and European categories.
Q. How old was Kimi Antonelli in F4?
A. When Antonelli was 15 and three weeks old, he first competed in junior formula racing. This occurred during the fifth round of the 2021 Italian F4 Championship. He drove for Prema at the Red Bull Ring.
