Inspiring story of the day: “My dad gave me the wheel, but my mom kept my heart in Bologna” - How Andrea Kimi Antonelli turned a family garage, and parental sacrifice into Formula 1 history

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rise from a young boy in his father’s racing garage to a Formula 1 world champion is a story shaped by talent, hard work and family support. Born in Bologna, Italy, in 2006, Antonelli grew up around racing cars, engines and busy race weekends. His father, Marco Antonelli, introduced him to motorsport, while his mother, Veronica, supported him through the demands of a racing career. At just 19, Kimi has already made history with Mercedes, but his journey began long before he reached the F1 grid.How did Andrea Kimi Antonelli grow up in his father Marco Antonelli’s racing garage?For Antonelli, racing was part of everyday family life from the time he was a baby. His father, Marco, was a racing driver who later built his own motorsport team. Kimi was just 15 days old when he first visited the family garage, where he spent time around racing cars and the people working on them.His parents, Marco and Veronica, were both closely involved in the team’s work. While his father focused on racing, his mother helped with the team’s operations and also took Kimi to race events. According to BBC Sport, she would sometimes keep him in his pram in the garage while the team worked.The young Antonelli soon became interested in everything happening around him. When he was around three, Marco brought a racing simulator home after the Bologna Motor Show. It was meant for guests, but Kimi quickly took an interest in it.His father would sit him on his lap, allowing him to hold the steering wheel while Marco handled the accelerator and brakes. Kimi enjoyed it so much that he would keep asking to drive, even when his father was tired.Marco recalled one such night to BBC Sport, saying:“And Kimi said: ‘Dad, dad, no sleep, no sleep. I have to drive.’”Although Kimi was still very young, his interest in racing was already clear. His father later said that the boy had grown up hearing engines and spending time around the family business.When did Marco Antonelli realise his son had racing talent during a Lamborghini drive?Marco did not initially want his son to follow him into professional motorsport. Having experienced the demands of racing himself, he understood how difficult it could be to build a career in the sport. The costs, travel and uncertainty made him cautious about Kimi choosing the same path.However, one experience at Adria International Raceway changed how he viewed his son’s ability.Kimi was around 10 when Marco offered him a chance to sit in a Lamborghini Super Trofeo car. The two shared the driver’s seat, with Marco controlling the accelerator and brakes while Kimi handled the steering and gears.As they picked up speed, the car began to oversteer during a braking manoeuvre. Kimi managed to control the movement while Marco continued driving. His reaction surprised his father, who had not expected a child of his age to respond so naturally.Marco explained the incident to BBC Sport:“The car had a lot of oversteer. Kimi controlled the oversteer perfectly, then I went on the throttle, Kimi finished the oversteer, changed gear, and went.”He also explained why he decided to stop the drive.“I said: ‘OK, stop, because it has now become dangerous.’”After watching the video of the drive, Marco began to understand that his son might have a special ability behind the wheel. The experience did not guarantee a future in Formula 1, but it gave the family a reason to take his interest more seriously.How did Veronica Pomaro support Andrea Kimi Antonelli throughout his racing journey?While Marco helped Kimi develop his driving skills, his mother, Veronica Pomaro, played an important role away from the track. She helped manage the demands of a racing schedule and made sure her son had support outside motorsport.Travelling for karting events and junior racing meant that family life often revolved around competitions. Kimi also had to balance school with the time he spent on the track. His parents made education an important part of his upbringing, even as his racing career began to demand more attention.Kimi has spoken openly about how much his parents have done for him. In an interview published by Formula 2, he said:“I wouldn’t be here without them. There are a lot of people that are involved in the process and are helping me, but they are the main ones. First of all, the introduced me into the world of motorsport and helped me overcome every difficult situation since.”He also spoke about the different ways his parents supported him, particularly during the difficult parts of his career.“My mum always used to bring me to the races, she’s been through those really tough moments and always been there for me as well, so I’m really grateful to them as without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”For Kimi, their contribution went beyond helping him become a better driver. He credited them with teaching him how to handle success and setbacks.“Not only because they’ve helped me develop myself as a driver, but as a person as well. They’ve taught me to always stay humble and work really hard because things never come easy. You have to work hard to achieve them. So, they’re a big influence on me.”How did Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton’s seat and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rise lead to F1 history?Kimi’s progress through karting eventually brought him to the attention of Mercedes. He joined the team’s junior programme in April 2019, aged 12, after winning several important karting titles.His success continued in the junior categories. He won the Italian and German Formula 4 championships in 2022, followed by the Formula Regional European Championship in 2023. He then moved into Formula 2 in 2024, winning races at Silverstone and Budapest.Mercedes eventually selected him to replace Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. Antonelli made his Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the third-youngest driver to start an F1 race.His first season brought both challenges and important achievements. He secured a Sprint pole position in Miami and finished on the podium in Canada. He ended his rookie campaign with three podium finishes and 150 points.The following year brought an even bigger achievement. In 2026, Antonelli won his first Grand Prix in China and followed it with another victory in Japan. He also went on to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, adding to his growing list of achievements.His 16th podium of the season in Mexico City secured the 2026 world championship. At 19, he became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history, achieving something that few drivers have managed at such an early age.His success has also given Italian motorsport a new world champion to celebrate. However, behind the results and records is the same family that supported him when he was a baby in the garage.Kimi has repeatedly credited his parents for helping him reach Formula 1. Their support started with taking him to race events and encouraging his interest in driving. It continued through the junior categories and into his career with Mercedes.For Marco and Veronica, the journey began long before the world started watching their son race. They were there when he first held a steering wheel, when he began competing in karting and when he took his first steps towards Formula 1. His world championship is the biggest achievement of that journey so far.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.