Kimi Antonelli backs father Marco’s presence in the paddock during challenging F1 debut. Kimi Antonelli defends his father Marco’s presence in the F1 paddock.

On Friday at the Canadian GP, Kimi Antonelli gave an intimate and insightful look into his relationship with his father, Marco Antonelli, a central figure in the young Bolognese talent’s development. In an increasingly demanding and competitive paddock, family support proves to be a vital weapon in facing the challenges and pressures of the Circus.

In recent rounds, a controversy emerged on social media regarding Marco Antonelli, who was at times seen as an overbearing presence for Kimi. But the young driver was quick to clarify the importance of his father and how he feels the need for his presence.

In his first year in Formula 1, Kimi emphasized how his father’s experience and trackside presence are essential for maintaining clarity and composure: “My father is a constant. He taught me everything from a young age. Having someone like him at the track, especially in my first year in F1, is essential. It’s an intense and tough world. I’ve gone through three difficult weekends, and mentally it hasn’t been easy. Here it’s like being in the water with sharks: if you don’t perform, they eat you. He helps me stay focused. We watch onboard footage together, review past sessions, and try to improve.”

The relationship between Kimi Antonelli and his father Marco proves essential in tough times

A clear-headed reflection, developed after a challenging triple-header both technically and mentally, in which Antonelli had to face issues with tyre management and a pace not always meeting expectations. But the young Mercedes driver did not let himself be discouraged.

When asked how he balances personal growth with the pressure of competing against the best in the world, Kimi responded with great self-awareness: “It’s not easy. I’m learning that you have to be at your best right from FP1. If you fall behind, it’s hard to catch up. But I have no reason to be intimidated. Racing against the best is stimulating—it’s a test for me. I have so much to learn and face. The triple-header taught me important lessons. It was the first truly tough stretch, with no performance, no confidence, tyre issues. Now I have a better idea of how to react in the future.”

Once again, Antonelli showed great maturity for his age, revealing a strong desire to grow and to use every challenge as a springboard for the future. In a world where “sharks” show no mercy, having someone by your side who taught you how to swim can truly make the difference.