Oct.27 (GMM) Kimi Antonelli says he intends to keep racing with number 12 even if he becomes F1’s youngest ever world champion in Mexico.
The Mercedes driver told Blick that he does not plan to switch to number 1, unlike Max Verstappen in recent years and current champion Lando Norris.
“First I have to do my job in Mexico,” Antonelli, 20, said.
“But I think that once I’ve finished, I’ll still compete with my number 12!”
Antonelli, a long-time Ayrton Senna fan, chose 12 partly because Senna raced with the number during his Lotus years in 1985 and 1986, before Formula 1 introduced permanent driver numbers.
Lewis Hamilton also famously kept his permanent number 44 during his latter championship years rather than adopting number 1.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, reports Antonelli is already joking about one possible celebration.
“I’ll dye my hair after the win,” he revealed.
“I haven’t decided how yet, I’ll talk to my parents, but maybe something with two colours, quite exotic.”
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff has hit back at Dr Helmut Marko’s recent claim that George Russell has permanently been relegated to number 2 status and will never win a world championship.
“He’s my Austrian not-so-buddy, but I respect his opinion,” he said.
“But I think he’s wrong on George. George has all the ability. I think the car doesn’t suit him.”
Wolff said Russell may also have struggled with the shock of seeing Antonelli emerge so strongly.
“At the beginning of the season, it’s maybe difficult to cope with a situation where you feel this is your year, and then you have a wunderkind on the other side who starts to chip away,” the Mercedes boss added.
But he insists Russell remains championship material.
“If we provide him with a quick car, it’s absolutely possible,” said Wolff.
“He has what it takes to win a championship.”
Former F1 driver Christijan Albers praised Wolff’s response on Viaplay.
“It was a good interview, because he defends George,” said the Dutchman.
Albers said Russell’s difficulties underline how much a driver’s style can depend on whether the car suits him.
“Your driving style: does it fit the car, yes or no?” he explained.
“Then you’re a sitting duck. That’s really very frustrating.”
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES