Theme park fun, discos with Russell and architect dreams – Getting to know the real Kimi Antonelli

When was the last time you cried with laughter?

It was two years ago during my birthday. Basically, we went to this adventure park close to my house with all my friends. I remember we did this first attraction, which was a water attraction, and there was this friend of mine who was rocking up with his new shoes and was like, ‘Ah, I don’t I want to go on this, I don’t want to get my shoes wet’. I was like, ‘Mate, don’t worry, you’re not going to get your shoes wet!’ We did the attraction, and after we finished the water was at the level of our knees. My friend was so, so mad! When he walked off, he was spreading water, he was losing water from his shoes, and it was a really funny moment.

Talking of friends, who’s your best friend inside the paddock?

I would say Ollie [Bearman]. He was my team mate last year in F2, I think we got along pretty well, and we managed to keep the relationship. I’m happy he’s in F1 as well. I would say he’s my best mate.

READ MORE: Broken bones, Hamilton’s friendship and goosebumps at Williams – Getting to know the real James Vowles

Which three F1 personalities past or present would you invite to a dinner party and why?

A lot to choose [from]! I would say Fernando [Alonso]… I saw a picture of him with George [Russell] in a disco not a long time ago, and he looks like the right guy to party with.

(Turns to Russell, who is sitting behind him…)

You know the famous picture with you and Fernando? It’s like in a disco… I would take you two, because you guys look dangerous, but good fun as well! When I saw the picture, I was like, ‘These two look like they know what they’re doing there!’ Definitely those two, and then… I would take Max [Verstappen]. He looks like a good one as well for parties.