F1 Rookie Antonelli Hosts Classmates at Imola Home GP

Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Mercedes Formula 1 rookie and Italy's sole driver this season, brought 25 of his classmates and two teachers to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola to give them a firsthand experience of the F1 world. Balancing his racing career with finishing school and preparing for his Italian high school diploma exams, Antonelli sees this as a way to maintain his connection with his classmates despite his demanding schedule. He organized activities including showing them his car and explaining aspects of racing, aiming to give them insight beyond what they see on TV. However, former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve criticized Antonelli's decision, suggesting that bringing friends to the paddock was a distraction from his focus on racing. Antonelli acknowledged the challenge of managing his studies and racing commitments but remains the top rookie this season, having scored points consistently and achieved a pole position in the Miami sprint. His home race at Imola is expected to bring increased attention as he continues to establish himself on the grid.