Kimi Antonelli responds to Vettel message as F1 record falls

Kimi Antonelli said he got “goosebumps” as he watched a video message sent to him by the four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

By securing his maiden title in Mexico City, Antonelli usurped Vettel as the new youngest Formula 1 World Champion of all time. The F1 icon offered Antonelli some important advice, which he fully intends on putting into action.

Kimi Antonelli reacts to ‘incredible’ Sebastian Vettel message

Mexico City marked the first realistic opportunity for the 20-year-old to seal the deal. He made no mistake. A remarkably assured drive to the podium far surpassed the minimum required result to become champion.

The emotions came flooding out already over team radio, and when he sat down with the Formula 1 social media team to watch a video message sent by Vettel, Antonelli appropriately remarked: “Time to get emotional again.”

Vettel won his four titles in consecutive seasons with Red Bull between 2010-13.

The German said: “Congratulations. World Champion. Campione del Mondo. Wow. Only very few of us manage to achieve that, and nobody has done it as young as you.

“You are curious. You listen. You learn fast. You are fearless. Your driving has been very clean and controlled, yet on the limit when it needed to be. You understood that you can only control what you can control.

“You have a unique drive, and we enjoy watching you.

“When I won my first title, it all seemed to happen the moment I crossed the finish line. I was overwhelmed. I got out of the car, and the world around me was racing at full speed. It was like a rush. It was impossible to reflect. I didn’t sleep properly for days, so be prepared.

“But I remember the feeling once it sank in, holding the World Championship trophy in my hands and reading all the other champions’ names. I felt proud and satisfied. I realised the best part wasn’t crossing the line that decided the title; it was all the races that led up to it. It is never the one race that matters. It is all the races we do. Every race shapes us.

“And with all that’s about to happen in the coming weeks, I’m sure you will soon feel the drive to race again, as in the bigger picture, there’s still a race to win.

“Lastly, a piece of advice: great achievements might change the way people look at you, but you don’t have to change the way you look at people. Now go on and enjoy it. Un abbraccio forte. Sebastian.”

Antonelli responded: “I’ve got to get this video. Gave me goosebumps.”

Asked how it made him feel, the young Italian added: “Incredible.

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“You know, Seb has always been sending me messages over the year, and he’s always been there for me. It’s great to see such a support from someone like him.

“It’s very special, and this message means a lot. Definitely, Seb, I will listen to your advice, and thank you so much.”

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