“But what have we done!” Dad Marco Antonelli pulls his phenomenal son into a tight embrace. Standing on the wall, he appears to symbolically wrap his arms around the entire Italian crowd—Ferrari fans and non-Ferrari fans alike—united in celebration of Kimi. Around them, journalists, photographers and team members jostle for position. Mum Veronica watches from a distance.
She has stayed on the Mercedes side of the garage, still struggling to believe the historic feat achieved by the young driver who grew up surrounded by engines and motorsport.
Did you expect Kimi to win at Monza?
“Absolutely not. Starting from 19th on the grid, I would have been delighted with seventh or sixth place. Just scoring a few points would have been enough. When he moved up to fifth, I thought to myself, ‘That’s enough.’ But Kimi really wanted this victory. It was an extraordinary race.”
Were you able to watch it?
“I follow the lap times, as I always do, so I was in the motorhome, constantly going in and out and up and down the stairs.”
Can we say this was his most special victory?
“Without a doubt, the first one was fundamental. When I saw Kimi crying at the finish in China, I saw it as a release. 2025 was a difficult year, with a few too many mistakes, but also a great deal of criticism. Reaching the top step of the podium represented a turning point.”
As his mother, which victories mean the most to you?
“Monaco and Monza. Winning in Monaco was a moment of consecration. Kimi showed the world that he wasn’t there by chance. And then, in Italy, it was the ultimate celebration.”
Are you surprised that your son is so loved by everyone, even his rivals?
“It doesn’t surprise me because it has always been that way. He is a very empathetic person. He was like that even at school—he would help those who needed it most. That’s why people like him.”
He is only 20, but he is a man now.
“He is still a boy, but mentally he is very strong. I can see it in the light in his eyes. I noticed the biggest change last year. The difficulties he experienced on the track helped shape him.”
The labor pains began while you were at the cinema watching Cars. It seems he was destined to become a racing driver—and a very good one at that.
“That’s how it happened,” she says with a smile. “It was August 23, 2006. Marco and I were at the cinema when the first contractions started. We went to the hospital, but it wasn’t time yet. Andrea was born two days later.
“Cars was his favorite film for many years. He was fascinated by anything with four wheels.”