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Kimi Antonelli reveals why Valentino Rossi thinks he should ‘say no’
Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian rookie in his first F1 season, shared how advice from MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has been crucial to his development.
Antonelli, chosen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 season, has garnered attention with a sprint race pole and podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Despite facing challenges during the European races, Antonelli’s potential as Italy’s next motorsport star has been noted, particularly due to Rossi’s mentorship.
The karting day shared between Antonelli and Rossi between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix revealed the depth of support and guidance the veteran racer provides.
In an interview prior to the Belgian Grand Prix, Antonelli emphasized Rossi’s advice on self-care and prioritizing personal time to maintain mental and physical well-being.
Following a tough race at Imola, where he struggled with managing the energy surrounding him, Antonelli is implementing Rossi’s advice for a more balanced approach and plans to connect with other MotoGP riders during the summer break.
