BAHRAIN GP: Is KIMI ANTONELLI the next F1 STAR?

Kimi Antonelli is a guaranteed future Formula 1 star. Yes, he’s handy behind the wheel, but he also has mass appeal and a gold medal personality that shone bright during the Bahrain Grand Prix media day. Dressed in an outfit reminiscent of a school sports uniform, courtesy of Adidas, Kimi was all smiles as he embraced the attention of fans and media alike.

Being the youngest driver in F1, Kimi is enjoying the spotlight. He’s put in years of hard work to reach this point, and it’s clear he deserves to soak in the success. During media day, Kimi participated in the first press conference, where Sky commentator David Croft humorously warned him about his loose-fitting shorts, advising him to be cautious about how he sat to avoid any wardrobe mishaps.

Interestingly, Kimi shared that he met the legendary Kimi Räikkönen back in 2018 when he was just 12 years old. This interaction left him acutely aware of why Räikkönen is often referred to as the “Iceman.” In contrast, Antonelli is the polar opposite, full of enthusiasm and charm.

Behind the Scenes: Kimi and Jack Doohan

During the press conference, Kimi and fellow driver Jack Doohan were spotted animatedly chatting on the couch while Carlos Sainz addressed questions about his performance at Williams. Their conversation was so soft that the microphones couldn’t pick up a word. If you’re a fan of Jack, you can grab one of the hand-signed and numbered prints from my collaboration with him at my store.

After the press conference, Kimi rushed downstairs for another commitment with George Russell but was stopped for an interview by Sky Italia. Despite George waiting, Kimi focused on the interview, showing his dedication and charm, even as his press officer Rosa tried to hurry things along.

Fines and Rookies: A Unique Race Weekend

In the world of F1, fines are a common occurrence. Just last week, Carlos Sainz was fined €10,000 for being late to the national anthem. The team pays the fine, which is then deducted from the driver’s next invoice. Interestingly, many speculated that Carlos was holding medicine during the press conference, but it turned out to be a shot he takes before the race.

This weekend’s Bahrain GP is set to be exciting as it will host five rookie drivers in the FP1 session. With wide runoffs, the track is deemed safe for new talent. It’s noteworthy that this race has no general admission tickets, only grandstand seating, making it one of the more affordable options on the calendar.

Fashion in the Paddock

The paddock is not just about racing; it’s also a fashion showcase. Lando Norris turned heads with his Casablanca knit and Rhude by McLaren shorts, priced around $350. Liam also sported shorts but paired them with a black jacket in the heat, which he was eager to remove.

Oscar Piastri caught attention with his stylish shoes from Arigato, worth about $325, while Lando’s jeans from Chrome Hearts are a staggering $14,000 in resale value. Is Lando the new Lewis Hamilton in high-end fashion? It certainly looks that way!

A Special Moment: Sir Jackie Stewart

As Sunday approaches, excitement builds as Sir Jackie Stewart will drive his 1973 Tyrrell for three laps. At nearly 86, he’ll wear a helmet signed by all living F1 World Drivers’ Championship winners, including Michael Schumacher. The auction of this helmet will benefit Race for Dementia, making it a significant moment in F1 history.

Unique Designs and Special Passes

In the press conference, Carlos Sainz showcased his unique socks featuring chili designs, which are not yet for sale but are expected to be a hit once available. The paddock is impressive, with only one driver having a special car pass today: Lewis Hamilton. This allowed him to take the shortest route to his hospitality suite on a hot day.

Where to Eat During the Race Weekend

If you’re in Bahrain for the race, don’t miss the Time Out Market. I enjoyed a delicious meal of butter chicken, rice, naan, and a Coke for just $20. The market offers a variety of food choices, making it a great spot to refuel during the race weekend.

FAQ

• Who is Kimi Antonelli?

  Kimi Antonelli is a young Italian racing driver and member of the Mercedes Junior Team, widely regarded as a future star in Formula 1.

• What notable interactions has Kimi had?

  Kimi met Kimi Räikkönen in 2018, which influenced his perspective on F1.

• How does the fine system work in F1?

  The team pays fines incurred by drivers, which are later deducted from the driver’s earnings.

• Where can I buy signed prints of Kimi Antonelli?

  You can find hand-signed and numbered prints at Kym Illman’s store.