Motorsport passion, work ethic and Cars: Getting to know Andrea Kimi Antonelli

F1-bound Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been putting together an impressive rookie campaign in Formula 2, so it’s about time we got to know the Italian a bit better.
The PREMA Racing driver talks all about his early racing memories, who he knows best on the F2 grid and words of wisdom he continues to live by.
WHERE DO YOU CONSIDER HOME?
“Home home is in Bologna, but I feel most at home on the racetrack. I love being with the team, especially with PREMA. I have a great story with the team through the years with them. I really enjoy spending time with the team at the track.”
OUTSIDE OF MOTORSPORT, WHICH ATHLETE DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST?
“Outside of motorsport, I’d say Michael Jordan. I watched the series Last Dance and since then, I’ve been pretty inspired by him. His work ethic – he’s a really good example.”
WHO DO YOU KNOW THE BEST ON THE GRID?
“Gabriel Bortoleto. I’ve raced with him in karting. Also, Zane Maloney. We’ve not really raced against each other before F2, but we raced on the same weekends as each other.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHEAT MEAL?
“In Bologna we have many! I don’t know if I can consider lasagna a cheat meal. Otherwise, it would be a burger. I always add caramelised onions in it. Also some bacon.”
IF YOU COULD RELIVE ONE MOMENT FROM YOUR CAREER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“My first time in a go-kart and my first time in a race car. The first time in a kart, I was five years old. It was at a track in Forli for minibikes. My dad bought me a kart and I remember going out on track and after the first lap, I couldn’t stop. It was a really good moment.
“The first time in a single seater – coming from karts it was a big step and the car was a lot different, the sensation of speed is high. So, I really loved it. It was a track in Cremona with an F4 car for my birthday. It was a really cool moment.”
IF YOU WEREN’T A RACING DRIVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS A JOB?
“This is a tough question. My dad has the racing team so I would be part of managing it once he decided to call it a day.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW?
“Movie, there are many that I like. But my favourite childhood movie is Cars. Even now I still watch it sometimes, it’s a great movie. Otherwise, I really like Creed. The work ethic of the main character in the movie is cool. Transformers too!”
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
“To always believe in yourself and to try and improve every day. Even when one day you don’t have the motivation to do something, it can still make the difference. Work hard, believe in yourself and try to improve. Also to stay humble and have respect for others.”
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO AND ONE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO BUT WANT TO VISIT?
“Best place – I went to the U.S. to Homestead for a karting event and then to Las Vegas, the U.S. is a cool experience. Also, Dubai is nice, I like it there.
“A place where I’ve never been but would love to go, I think Japan. Especially to see Tokyo.”