Key Highlights
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will race in a custom tribute helmet honoring Ayrton Senna at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
- The tribute marks the 35th anniversary of Senna’s iconic, first home victory at Interlagos in 1991.
- Antonelli confirmed he will retain his signature race number 12 for the 2027 season rather than switching to number 1.
Antonelli Prepares Ayrton Senna Tribute for Interlagos
Fresh off securing the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is set to arrive at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace for the Brazilian Grand Prix with a special tribute to his childhood racing hero, Ayrton Senna. Antonelli confirmed that he will debut a unique helmet design in São Paulo to commemorate the legendary Brazilian driver and celebrate one of the most famous moments in motorsport history.
The tribute coincides with the 35th anniversary of Senna’s emotional maiden home victory at Interlagos, where he famously nursed his McLaren to the checkered flag while trapped in sixth gear. Speaking ahead of the race weekend, Antonelli reflected on the significance of honoring the three-time world champion in front of the local crowd.
I will have a special helmet for Brazil, for Ayrton,
Antonelli told the media in Mexico. Also because it’s going to be 35 years since he won in sixth gear, his home race. So, yeah, it’s going to be a tribute helmet for Brazil, for Ayrton, and I think it’s one of my best helmets that I’ve made.
He continued: So hopefully you guys, everyone, hopefully you will like it. But, yeah, it’s going to be a very special weekend. I’m very much looking forward to it because the support from Brazil in general has been incredible, not only this year but already from last year. So, yeah, looking forward to going back there, and hopefully it’s going to be a great weekend.
A Childhood Connection to Racing History
Antonelli’s admiration for Senna traces back to his early childhood, when he would spend hours watching classic Formula 1 races on DVD alongside his father. During media sessions last season, the Italian racer openly shared that Senna was the driver who stood out among them all
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This enduring connection directly influenced Antonelli’s choice of permanent car number. The Italian competes using the number 12—the same number Senna carried during his tenures at Lotus and during his first championship-winning campaign with McLaren in 1988. In claiming his own world championship, Antonelli became the first Formula 1 driver since Senna to win the title sporting the number 12.
Mercedes Star Elects to Keep Car Number 12 for 2027
Despite earning the traditional right as reigning champion to adopt the prestigious car number 1 for the following campaign, Antonelli has decided to forego the champion’s number for the 2027 championship. Instead, he will stick with the number that has defined his career rise.
I think I’ll stay with number 12,
Antonelli told the media in Mexico. I’ll stay with number 12 because, obviously, it’s a very special number for me.
Explaining his mindset behind the choice, he added: It’s also a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble. I feel like keeping number 12 allows me to have a new point where to start and to build on everything again and try to improve more.
Why This Matters
Ayrton Senna remains a national icon in Brazil and one of the most revered figures in global motorsport history. For a newly crowned Mercedes world champion to openly dedicate his Brazilian Grand Prix appearance to Senna reinforces the profound cross-generational impact of the late Brazilian’s legacy.
Furthermore, Antonelli’s decision to bypass the number 1 in 2027 places him in a distinct category of modern champions who prioritize personal symbolism and branding over the standard champion’s identifier. By keeping number 12, Antonelli continues to carve out an identity intrinsically linked to both his personal journey and the legacy of his racing idol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kimi Antonelli wearing a special helmet at the Brazilian Grand Prix?
Antonelli is wearing a custom tribute helmet to honor Ayrton Senna on the 35th anniversary of Senna’s historic 1991 home victory at Interlagos, where the Brazilian driver famously overcame late-race gearbox issues to win while stuck in sixth gear.
Will Kimi Antonelli use race number 1 in 2027?
No. Antonelli has confirmed he will keep car number 12 for the 2027 Formula 1 season rather than switching to number 1, explaining that retaining his longtime number helps him stay humble and grounded as he works to improve further.
What is the historical significance of the number 12 in Formula 1?
The number 12 was famously used by Ayrton Senna during his years with Lotus and during his 1988 title-winning season with McLaren. Antonelli is the first driver since Senna to win the Formula 1 World Championship using that race number.
