Antonelli reveals what he did with iconic Hamilton-Verstappen photo
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Kimi Antonelli has revealed that he has already framed the photograph of his championship celebrations with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen following his historic Formula 1 title triumph at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver secured his maiden world championship in Mexico, where he shared the podium with two of the sport's most successful drivers. Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Hamilton, while Antonelli's third-place finish was enough to secure the title.
The celebrations produced one of the most memorable images of the weekend, as Hamilton and Verstappen joined Antonelli in marking his achievement. The Italian, who grew up watching both drivers compete at the highest level, admitted that their spontaneous gesture made an already extraordinary occasion even more special.
Antonelli keeps special memory of Hamilton and Verstappen
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Speaking ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Antonelli revealed that he hopes to meet both drivers again to thank them personally for their involvement in his championship celebrations.
"I hope I can see him (Hamilton) today or tomorrow, but as well to see Max to to thank them for for what they did. I look back at the podium and what they did, you could see it was genuine. It was real, and that's the best about it."
The 20-year-old explained that he has already taken steps to preserve the memory, with the photograph of the celebrations now framed: "It was such a crazy memory that I will carry with me forever. I already framed the picture and definitely would put it on on the wall because it's such a moment that who would have said it, that I wouldn't I wouldn't have expected to to celebrate my title in that way."
Photo: Race Pictures
Antonelli was particularly touched by the fact that the gesture came from two drivers who have played such significant roles in Formula 1 history.
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"When they beat me up, it was at the cherry on top of the cake, and I will be thankful towards them for doing that because to receive that from two incredible drivers who have done the the history of the sport is very special."
"And also even more special because it was real. It was something that they actually wanted to do. It was a very special moment, and definitely. I hope I can see them again to to thank them properly with a bit of calm because it was just very special."
Antonelli pays tribute to Hamilton ahead of milestone
The Italian also paid tribute to Hamilton, who is celebrating his 400th Formula 1 race weekend in Brazil. Antonelli pointed to the seven-time world champion's longevity and determination as qualities he hopes to emulate throughout his own career.
"I mean, he's incredible. First of all, how he can still perform at this age. I mean, like Fernando at the end of the day, but to see him with the same hunger, determination is inspirational as well. And it could be a good sign for me. I'm just 20, hopefully, at 41. I'll be still here racing and competing at the top."
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"It's incredible what he has achieved. I mean, he has broken so many so many records and still doing so. So, very, very happy, big privilege to be able to to race against him and hopefully many more battles in the future."
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