Successive victories are “like unlocking a new level in a computer game,” according to Kimi Antonelli. – Kimi Antonelli presses the AMG GT2’s kill switch as we approach the end of the pit lane. Now that the grumpy, gruff V8 has been extinguished, the automobile rolls silently to a stop with the exception of a brake squeal. The door opens. The driver says, “Yeah, we had some aquaplaning,” with whatever the Italian word for extreme indifference is. The word is impassible.
In fact, I can attest to this. The sky had been mostly blue and cloudless for the past two hours, but three minutes before we set foot on the circuit, Silverstone did its signature thing and called forth a torrential downpour. The promise of maximum attack was transformed into an adventure in car control when full wets were substituted for slick rubber.
Kimi’s ability to detect grip where it appears to be nonexistent more than makes up for the cornering speeds we give up. Seeing Silverstone up close is amazing because it has essentially transformed into a lake. Although the automobile has a multi-stage traction control system, he has it turned down to the point where his right foot controls everything.
In the dry, Stowe, Vale, and Club are difficult enough, but now they’re almost ridiculous. Likewise, the aquaplaning incident takes place on Wellington Straight. Could we really fall off?
We don’t, of course. In situations like these, F1 drivers have a means of eliminating any risk. Sublime measurements are made of the inputs. The risk/benefit analysis is well in hand because Kimi has the Monaco Grand Prix coming up. He will undoubtedly dominate Formula One’s crown jewel event in a way that has even astute F1 analysts like Martin Brundle comparing him to Ayrton Senna. It’s obvious that the child has a ton of the proper stuff. He’s currently handling it all with ease, as if he were meant to. The feet are on the ground, but the talent is soaring.
Additionally, Kimi just donated his name to the W16, a special edition of the AMG GT2 with integrated DRS and a Push2Pass capability for up to 819 horsepower. Mercedes-AMG, like other well-known brands, has found that customer racing cars are quite profitable. The most well-known example of this is the GT3 Evo that Verstappen Racing drove to a close victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours last month.
However, the GT2 is not subject to any regulations because it is not homologated. A six-speed sequential race transmission, adjustable damping, four-stage stabilizers on the front and rear axles, and new turbos and engine electronics are all included in the W16. The door sills bear Kimi’s signature. You may get this highly sought-after track day toy for £706k. A garage full of fortunate new owners will receive the handover from the man himself.
“I drove it in Monza prior to the Grand Prix, when we originally introduced the vehicle. It’s really, really awesome,” he declares. “They made some adjustments when I provided my input. To be honest, it felt fantastic from the very first circuits. It was easy to drive and the ideal vehicle to enjoy on the track. It’s a fast car; I was able to reach 310 km/h on the straight at Monza using push-to-pass.
Top Gear: That’s four consecutive Grand Prix victories (now five).
Antonelli Kimi: If you had told me at the beginning of the year, I would have accepted it. George is quite fast, so even though I knew I could have done well, it might have been extremely challenging. However, it has been a fantastic start, and the objective is to maintain the momentum, continue to maximize the outcome, and continue to raise the bar. You simply want to take full advantage of this enormous chance.
Race after race, accumulating victories must indicate increased self-assurance, which implies increased speed, right?
It felt like breaking the ice after the first victory. or similar to when you reach a new level in a video game. You can drive more freely and thoroughly enjoy the entire weekend when you’re more confident. I notice a significant difference between last year’s and this year’s on-boards; simply by looking at where my hands are on the wheel, I appear considerably more at ease. And a wonderful sensation.
Since the vehicle is obviously better this year as well?
The car’s speed is undoubtedly helpful, but so is a year of experience. You are far more aware of what to anticipate. You have more control over the situation, are more conscious of your potential, are more familiar with the team, and know how to moderate your energy levels throughout the weekend. I now have a much better understanding of who I am, what I need, what I don’t need, and how to control myself during race weekend so that I can always be at my best while driving.
You’re still quite young. Is the 19-year-old fighting the Formula One driver?
First and foremost, even on the track, I make an effort to be myself. I make an effort to infuse the team with a lot of positive energy, showcase my Italian side, and make the most of our time together. Additionally, in terms of building strong relationships with the engineers and mechanics. This is crucial for fostering a positive team dynamic and gives you, the driver, more time to enjoy the weekend outside of operating the car.
Do you ever get angry?
Indeed. But not outside, but inside the car. When I’m irritated or furious, I try to keep it to myself and not express it too much. I want to have a positive attitude and avoid becoming overly negative at difficult times. [pause] It’s not like I’m content all the time. I do get angry.
Does your dad understand your situation?
[laughs] He’s lot calmer now. He still occasionally gives me a tiny butt kick. However, he approaches it positively and constructively.
For your age, you truly do appear to have a high level of emotional maturity.
I have a wonderful family and a fantastic staff behind me. Having been a racer for over 30 years, my dad currently manages his own racing team. He constantly ensures that I maintain my composure, stay focused on the end result, and avoid becoming sidetracked by outside distractions. I’ve grown up with Mercedes because I’ve been with them since 2018.
Are you now regarded as a rock star in Italy? Do you require bodyguards?
It’s alright. I still manage to escape. Naturally, I get stopped a lot more frequently now, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Sometimes you simply want to be by yourself, but now that I’ve moved to San Marino and have a place of my own, I can unwind and
Put the soiled dishes in the sink.
No, I still have things to complete.
Are you aware of the location of the washing machine?
Yes, indeed. I had to learn, though. I made a bit of a mess the first time I used the washing machine since I mixed the wrong colors.
Don’t worry, Kimi; we’ve all been there.
However, I’ve since learned my lesson. I still visit my friends in Bologna and have supper there. I do get stopped, but it’s okay as long as people treat me with respect. In fact, I like it.
You have a Mercedes-AMG GT, but are you truly interested in anything?
A Project One is the vehicle of my dreams. I’d love to try one, but it’s a big step. I adore vehicles in general, but I have to win a few world championships before I can have it. I have always done so.
Which images of cars were on the wall of your bedroom?
In fact, I had several photos of Gilles Villeneuve and Ayrton Senna. He had a huge fan in my dad. In the house, we have the well-known photo of him on the opposite lock. I’ve seen video of him driving the vehicle on three wheels when he wrecked during the race [Dutch GP, 1979]. Additionally, the French Grand Prix in 1979 featured two drivers engaged in a fierce battle with Arnoux. An older vehicle with a V12 or V10 engine would be ideal for me to test drive.
How difficult is it to drive the automobiles of this year?
It’s intriguing. The cars are extremely fast and extremely complex at the same time, and technology has advanced significantly. For this reason, there are a lot of people working at the factory and the track to design and build it. These days, the level is simply so high.
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