Kimi Antonelli Shares “unforgettable” Ayrton Senna Moment After F1 Title Win

A Dream Visit Following Maiden Championship Glory

Just two days after securing his maiden Formula 1 World Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli traveled to Brazil and stepped directly into the history of his motorsport idol. Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Antonelli visited the private family estate of the late three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna, capping an extraordinary week in the young Italian’s racing career.

During the visit to the Fazenda Dois Lagos estate in Tatuí, Antonelli was granted the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of the legendary black and gold Lotus 98T, the car raced by Senna throughout the 1986 Formula 1 season. Reflecting on the profound moment on social media, Antonelli shared an image from the cockpit alongside a heartfelt message:

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

Karting with the Senna Family in Tatuí

Antonelli was accompanied on the journey by his father, Marco Antonelli. The pair spent time with members of the Senna family, including Ayrton’s nephew Bruno Senna and nieces Bianca and Lalalli Senna. The expansive Tatuí property features a dedicated kart track established in 1991, which became a focal point of the visit.

Antonelli took to the circuit, prompting former F1 driver Bruno Senna to praise the newly crowned champion’s pace. Bruno Senna commented directly on Antonelli’s social media post:

“Thank you for the karting lesson, Champ!”

Tracing Senna’s Footsteps Across Brazil

Antonelli’s trip follows in the footsteps of former Mercedes teammate and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who previously paid a visit to the Fazenda Dois Lagos estate ahead of the 2022 Grand Prix at Interlagos. Antonelli has long been transparent about how deeply Senna’s legacy shapes his own career, previously visiting Senna’s resting place at the Morumbi Cemetery ahead of the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Speaking about that previous pilgrimage, Antonelli shared the personal significance of paying his respects:

“It was a really cool experience,” Antonelli explained to the media at the time. “Ayrton is my racing hero. And yesterday I had a lot of time on hand, so I said, you know, why not? It was very close to my hotel.

“So I decided to go once. I decided to go in the morning, but then I also went in the afternoon because I found it a really quiet place, very peaceful. So in the afternoon, I decided to go there this time with my coach, and we read a book. We were reading a book and just spent some time in peace in a quiet place and it was really nice. But yeah, I really wanted to go and say hi to him.”

Why This Matters

Ayrton Senna remains one of the most revered figures in motorsport history, and his lasting legacy continues to serve as an inspiration for the sport’s newest generation of champions. For Kimi Antonelli, achieving his first title triumph and immediately connecting with the heritage of his childhood hero highlights the deep generational bridge in Formula 1. Furthermore, continuing a tradition that includes visits from icons like Lewis Hamilton underscores the enduring relationship between the Senna family and modern Mercedes champions arriving in Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Senna family estate located?

The Senna family property, known as Fazenda Dois Lagos, is located in Tatuí, Brazil. The estate includes a private karting track that was opened in 1991.

Which car did Kimi Antonelli sit in during his visit?

Antonelli sat in the cockpit of the black and gold Lotus 98T, which Ayrton Senna raced during the 1986 Formula 1 World Championship.

Where did Kimi Antonelli secure his maiden Formula 1 championship?

The Mercedes driver secured his first world title at the Mexican Grand Prix, just days before traveling to Brazil.