Kimi Antonelli is just one step away from the Formula 1 world title, and San Marino is preparing to celebrate as well. The young Mercedes driver arrives at the Mexican Grand Prix needing only two more points to be crowned world champion — an occasion that could turn into a party on the Titano too, where officials are considering organising an event to mark a possible triumph.
But in the Antonelli household, two titles are at stake this weekend. While Kimi gears up for his decisive challenge, his father Marco Antonelli is busy at Mugello with his team, AKM Motorsport, in contention for the Italian GT Endurance Championship.
The team heads into the season’s final round with a 14-point lead in the standings, thanks to the pairing of Israeli driver Guy Albag and Lorenzo Ferrari, from Piacenza, at the wheel of a Mercedes AMG GT3.
“I’m actually more nervous about my own race than Kimi’s. Everyone minds their own business, so right now I’m focused on mine, on my team,” Marco Antonelli told Gazzetta dello Sport, joking about the double challenge facing the family.
He added: “At this point, Kimi can fend for himself — I’ve already done my part. I’m thinking about my team too.” A quip that hides his own hunger for another title: “Just like him, I don’t want to merely take part — I want to win.”
Once his commitments at Mugello are wrapped up, the elder Antonelli will fly to Mexico on Saturday together with his wife Veronica and daughter Maggie, to watch Kimi’s possible triumph up close. The family will then continue on to Brazil, where the young Mercedes talent could arrive already crowned world champion.
Meanwhile, anticipation is building in San Marino too, where plans for a celebration are being discussed, while Imola prepares to set up a giant screen to follow the Mexican Grand Prix.
On the calendar front, the possibility of Formula 1 returning to Imola on 10 November also remains open, although there are currently no official changes to the schedule. Should it materialise, the race could give Antonelli the chance to parade in front of a home crowd.
