At home for a well-deserved break
After securing a victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, which temporarily placed him at the top of the championship standings, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has returned to his home in San Marino to enjoy the break, which will continue until early May when Formula 1 returns to action in Miami. The Miami circuit is the same track where Antonelli achieved pole position in the Sprint qualifying last year. In an interview with Sky Sport F1, the 19-year-old from Bologna reflected on the particularly positive period he is experiencing, while maintaining focus for the next event: “Surely, in the end, it’s a bit of a shame that we have such a long break, but at the same time I don’t complain too much because I can spend quite a few days at home. It’s important because the start of the season has been quite intense, very intense. Even the pre-season was very intense, so it’s always nice and important to be able to spend some days here at home.” – the Mercedes driver said.
Gravina’s gaffe and Antonelli’s witty remark
During the same interview, Antonelli also took a subtle jab at former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Gravina, following Italy’s third consecutive elimination at the FIFA World Cup, had described football as a professional sport, in contrast to all other disciplines, which he considered amateur. This statement sparked widespread reactions from many athletes, including Kimi Antonelli. When asked whether, due to his young age (born in 2006), he had never been able to fully enjoy the best years of the Italian national team, the Mercedes driver responded with an immediate quip: “By the way, we do a sport for amateurs…”
A playful critique of sports hierarchy
Antonelli’s lighthearted remark highlights his awareness of the broader sports landscape, while also giving a cheeky nod to his own journey in motorsport. At just 19 years old, he has already achieved significant milestones in Formula 1, and his comment reflects both humor and humility. His jab at Gravina’s statement not only amused fans but also underscored the challenges and dedication required in motorsport, even for a young driver making waves in the top tier of racing.
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