andrea kimi antonelli in the f1 spanish grand prix

'A sea of sharks': Antonelli reveals the harsh truth about life in F1

14:22, 22 Jul

Updated: 15:23, 22 Jul

byNorberto Mujica

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has given a candid insight into how life has changed during his debut Formula 1 season with Mercedes, admitting that success in the sport demands sacrifice and solitude.

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, the 18-year-old reflected on balancing his personal life with the relentless pressures of F1, and for him the answer lies at home, in Bologna.

"Well, I'm a normal guy. I had a great group of friends at school, and when I go back to Bologna, I try to spend as much time as possible with them," he said.

"They're also Formula 1 fans, they always follow me. For now, I'm able to maintain the relationship; human relationships are important. In my sport, I'm a bit lonely," admitted with unabashed honesty the young Italian.

Why does solitude strike at Antonelli? "Far from family, far from friends. It's not easy to maintain certain relationships," he explained.

Antonelli opens up on life in F1: "It's like swimming in a sea full of sharks"

Antonelli also revealed how advice from Valentino Rossi, who told him not to “listen to everyone,” has become increasingly relevant.

"Yes. In F1, it's like swimming in a sea full of sharks; it takes just a moment to fall into the trap and be eaten. I realized this at Imola. There, I understood how important it is to make time for myself."

"Moments where I'm alone, in a quiet place where I can mentally switch, where I can isolate myself."

The young Mercedes driver has found his own sanctuary to prepare mentally before races.

"In the engineers' motorhome, there's a room reserved for the drivers. I go there before getting in the car, I visualize and replay the laps of the track in my head; to do that, it has to be quiet."

"I didn't pay attention to these aspects before, but now I consider them fundamental to trying to give 110%."

Wolff’s nicknames and Antonelli’s inspiration

Antonelli also revealed a playful side to his relationship with team boss Toto Wolff, who has three distinct nicknames for him depending on performance: one after a great drive (Kimi), one for an average day (Andrea), and one when things don’t go to plan (Antonelli).

Finally, the Mercedes rookie admitted he has his eyes set on emulating one of Ferrari’s greatest legends: Alberto Ascari, a two-time world champion and Italy’s last F1 title winner.