Antonelli to honour idol Senna with tribute helmet in first race as F1 champion

Antonelli first mentioned the tribute after sealing the title in Mexico City but the design itself has not yet been shown in public.

Speaking in the post-race press conference in Mexico, Antonelli said the helmet was already finished and that he could not wait to show it to the Brazilian fans. "I will have a special helmet for Brazil, for Ayrton," he told the media.

Antonelli was referring to the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, when Senna battled gearbox problems and took the chequered flag stuck in sixth gear. It was the Brazilian's first win at his home race. The new champion also spoke about the backing he has had in Brazil. "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," he said.

Antonelli will not be the only driver changing his look this weekend. He and teammate George Russell will race in one-off purple suits for Mercedes, and Max Verstappen will wear a Red Bull helmet in the colours of the Brazilian flag.

The helmet is the latest in a long line of tributes. Antonelli grew up watching old F1 races on DVD with his father, and he picked number 12 as a nod to his hero. Senna used that number during his Lotus years from 1985 to 1987 and in his first title-winning season with McLaren in 1988.

His connection to Senna's home circuit started a year ago. On his first visit to Interlagos in 2025, Antonelli quietly visited Senna's grave at the Morumbi cemetery and went on to finish second in the race.

Afterwards, he gave Senna's family the helmet he had raced in, signed with a personal message. This week, GPblog reported on his latest meeting with the family.

With the drivers' title already his, Antonelli arrives in Brazil with less pressure on him than any other driver on the grid. Mercedes can still settle the constructors' championship at Interlagos, so the weekend could end with more than a tribute on his helmet.