Kimi Antonelli pays homage to Ayrton Senna at his grave before the São Paulo GP in Interlagos Por Thiago Lemos
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Kimi Antonelli visits Ayrton Senna’s grave at the Morumbi Cemetery in São Paulo before the local GP. The 19-year-old Italian Mercedes driver paid tribute to the three-time Brazilian champion who died in 1994. The action took place this week and was shared on the competitor’s social networks.
Antonelli debuted in Formula 1 in 2025 as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. He adopted the number 12 used by Senna at Lotus and McLaren between 1985 and 1988. The visit reinforces the admiration declared by the Brazilian.
- Number 12 is present on Antonelli’s Mercedes.
- Tribute includes photos at the burial site.
- Senna won three world titles in the category.
Antonelli’s trajectory in the season
Kimi Antonelli achieved a podium at the Canadian GP in June. He finished third and became the youngest Italian to achieve the feat in F1. The performance came shortly after his debut for the German team.
The driver skipped stages in karting and basic categories before reaching the main motorsport series. Comparisons with Max Verstappen arose due to the accelerated path. Verstappen made his direct debut at Toro Rosso in 2015.
Context of the São Paulo GP
Interlagos hosts the 21st stage of Formula 1 in 2025 this week. Lando Norris leads the championship with 357 points accumulated so far. Oscar Piastri remains in second place with 356 points.
The race marks Caio Bortoleto’s debut in the main category. Lewis Hamilton competes for Ferrari for the first time on the Brazilian circuit. The circuit presents variable weather conditions due to the location.
Honoration details
Antonelli traveled to Brazil specifically for the event at the cemetery. He posted images of Senna’s grave on his official Instagram profile. The gesture occurred days before free training in Interlagos.
Idolatry for Senna influences the Italian’s career choices. The number 12 symbolizes the Brazilian’s successful periods at Lotus and McLaren. Senna passed away during the San Marino GP on May 1, 1994 at the age of 34.
Current F1 classification
Four drivers compete for the world title in the final stretch of the season. Norris and Piastri dominate the top positions in the table. The minimal difference between McLaren’s teammates keeps the dispute tight.
- Norris: 357 points.
- Piastri: 356 points.
- Other competitors remain distant in the score.
Preparations in Interlagos
Teams adjust cars for the 4.3-kilometer route in São Paulo. The track requires specific settings for high-speed corners. Frequent rain changes strategies during the race weekend.
Antonelli is participating in his first full season at Mercedes. The Italian accumulates points in previous races and seeks consistency. The tribute to Senna is part of the pre-race routine in Brazil.
Ayrton Senna’s legacy
Senna won titles in 1988, 1990 and 1991 driving for McLaren. He won 41 grands prix throughout his career in Formula 1. The Brazilian used the number 12 in British teams before adopting the number 1 as champion.
The tomb in Morumbi receives regular visits from fans and drivers. Antonelli joins names like Hamilton who have already paid tribute there. Senna’s influence remains on the new generation of the category.
