MEXICO CITY — Kimi Antonelli has shed plenty of tears. Last year at Spa, after what he calls “the worst moment of my career.” In March, in Shanghai, after his first Formula One victory. And here in Mexico City, naturally, as he crossed the finish line and achieved his dream. “I had tears in my eyes and couldn’t see the track.”

He got emotional again later, when asked whether he had enjoyed Nessun dorma and Sarà perché ti amo, the songs that provided the soundtrack to his first celebration as world champion.

“The first song reminded me of my grandfather...” he said, visibly moved as he thought of his maternal grandfather. “He used to listen to it all the time. He would be proud of me.”

Kimi, when did you realize all this was possible?

“At Monza. It was a crucial race. I was starting from the back and had already resigned myself to losing points. Winning the way I did was hugely important, especially psychologically.”

We had started thinking it might happen a little earlier...

“Honestly, after Monaco, I also told myself, ‘So, we can actually win this.’ But then we ran into a couple of technical problems. They convinced me it was better to stay calm.”

Which victory meant the most to you?

“The next one, as they say. But if I have to choose, I'd say Monza. How could I forget Monaco or my first win in China? Or Suzuka, where I found myself leading the championship for the first time? Thinking back, that was when I first realized I had a real shot.”

What does this world championship mean to you?

“A huge amount. It means so much, especially because 2025 wasn't an easy year. Spa was special in that respect, too.”

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Why?

“Last year in Belgium, I went through the toughest moment of my career. Going back there and winning was fantastic. A lot of people said I wasn't ready, that I wasn't cut out for Formula One. This title means so much to me personally and to my family, because of everything they've done for me. And to the team, too. I wouldn't be here without them.”

Hamilton and Verstappen carrying you in celebration showed that you belong in Formula One.

“What a podium! I really wanted to stand up there, and then to share it with Max and Lewis... Mom” — he calls out to her, seated at another table in the Mercedes hospitality suite — “shall we get a nice framed copy of that photo to hang at home? That way I can look at it every day.”

You've achieved your two biggest dreams: racing in Formula One and winning the world championship. What's next?

“Well, to keep winning. At the end of the day, it's the best feeling. This has to be the starting point. It's only the beginning. The road ahead is very long. I'm 20, and it's great to know I still have so much to learn and so much room to improve. Knowing I can keep growing gives me confidence about the future.”

Next year, will you race with No. 1 or stick with the No. 12 you won the championship with, like Senna did in 1988?

“I'm keeping No. 12. For Ayrton, of course, but above all because I feel that No. 12 helps me keep my feet on the ground.”

Are you afraid of letting success go to your head?

“No. 1 is beautiful, even though it has brought me a little bad luck in the past. But it's not superstition. I'd use it, too. By the way, now that the job is done, I'm finally no longer forced to keep touching wood...”

Back to the numbers.

“It's just that No. 12 gives me a greater sense of perspective. Keeping it helps me think about starting over and rebuilding, about coming back stronger.”

Stronger?

“There's a lot of balance in the field now. I'll have to raise my game if I find myself fighting Max or Lewis, for example. And George [Russell] will be back in top form, too.”

Do their compliments mean a lot to you?

“There's a lot of respect. They're always very nice and kind to me. The best thing is knowing that they mean what they say. Max especially...”

You'll have to buy some elegant clothes now, with all the award ceremonies coming up.

“I can't wait to go to Shanghai for the FIA awards ceremony. I think — and hope — they'll let me keep the world championship trophy.”

And what about the one from Monza, the trophy you ate pasta out of?

“I'll have to ask Toto [Wolff, the team principal].”

Wouldn't you like to have the car you won the championship in at home?

“That would be next level. My father would kill me because we already have too much stuff and there's no room left. Dad” — he turns to him — “what if we asked them to send us this year's chassis?”

Speaking of Wolff, now you can play pranks on him. He's been wondering why nobody ever does.

“Because I'm scared, you know. He's the boss... But did he say that? Well, then he's asking for it. There'll be a little cream waiting for him in Brazil.”

You were born just a few months after Italy last won the World Cup in soccer. Now the country is celebrating a Formula One world champion.

“It's wonderful to put Italy and the Italian flag back on top. It's a big deal. We're seeing it in so many sports — tennis, the Olympics, motorsports. Now let's keep it going.”

Have you decided what color to dye your hair?

“I still have to think about it. The Italian tricolor could be an idea, right? With spray cans, of course. Or red and blue, for Bologna.”

Of all the things people have said to you, which has stayed with you the most?

“Something Toto told me on Saturday. He wished me that I would remain relevant for as long as possible, throughout my life. It's a very beautiful thought, and an important one for the future.”

It's a quote from Gianni Agnelli, a phrase Wolff once said Lapo Elkann had shared with him.

What do you see in your future?

“As a driver and as an athlete, I want to leave my mark. You don't want to win a world championship and then disappear. So, I hope that, many years from now, when I've retired, I'll have managed to do that — and that I'll be able to look back without regrets.”