New F1 champion Antonelli describes Senna family estate visit as 'a day I will remember forever'

Kimi Antonelli arrived at Interlagos for the Brazilian Grand Prix carrying the weight of a freshly won world championship and a deeply personal memory: a visit to Ayrton Senna’s family estate that the 20-year-old Mercedes driver described as one of the most emotional days of his life.

Just two days after clinching the 2026 F1 title in Mexico, Antonelli travelled to Fazenda Dois Lagos, the Senna family property in Brazil. There he sat in the Lotus 98T that Senna raced during the 1986 season, sharing a photograph of the moment on social media and thanking the family for an “unforgettable day”.

“I was truly emotional,” Antonelli told media at Interlagos. “A very, very special day, a day that I will remember forever. That’s why I will always be thankful and grateful towards the Senna family for allowing me to see that, and to even sit in the car, which was very special.”

Antonelli said he found it difficult to leave. “I actually didn’t want to leave. I tried to stay as long as I could there, because it was such a nice experience. The Senna family was very open about showing places where Ayrton used to spend most of his time. It was crazy to think — when I was there, I was like, ‘Wow, Ayrton was actually here. He was spending time in his room.’ It was very emotional and a very, very special day.”

He was accompanied by his father Marco, along with Senna’s nephew Bruno and nieces Bianca and Lalalli. Bruno later posted on Instagram to thank Antonelli for “the karting lesson”, a reference to the estate’s private kart track.

Antonelli will also race at Interlagos this weekend wearing a tribute helmet honouring Senna, 35 years after the Brazilian legend claimed his first home victory at the circuit in 1991. “This one means a lot to me,” Antonelli wrote alongside the helmet design on social media. “A tribute to my idol and Brazil. I hope you guys like it as much as I do.”