On Track, a Pro; At Home, 'A Disaster': Kimi Antonelli's Rookie Reality
Rookie F1 star Kimi Antonelli admits he's 'a disaster' at household chores, relying on his mom for help. His first season was also tough, marked by early struggles and distracting Verstappen-to-Mercedes rumors.
Kimi Antonelli may be a rising star on the Formula 1 grid, but off the track, the young Mercedes driver admits he's 'a disaster' at basic adulting. The Italian rookie revealed he can't do laundry, cook, or clean, hoping his mother will continue to help him as he transitions to full-time independent living. This candid admission comes after a challenging debut season where he also battled on-track struggles and off-track distractions.
Why it matters:
Antonelli's comments offer a rare glimpse into the human side of F1, showcasing the immense pressure and singular focus required of young drivers. It highlights the transition from a supported junior career to the high-stakes world of F1, where even basic life skills take a backseat to performance. His struggles with the summer rumors also underscore the mental fortitude needed to succeed at the top level.
The details:
- Antonelli candidly told La Gazzetta dello Sport he's 'a disaster' with household chores, specifically mentioning laundry, cleaning, and cooking.
- He openly hopes his mother will continue to help him, stating, 'I’m really not very handy as a ‘man of the house’.'
- Despite being perceived as mature for his age, Antonelli acknowledges, 'when it comes to these things, I still have everything to learn.'
- His debut season was a mixed bag, featuring a difficult start before he found his footing and improved his performance as the year progressed.
- The summer Verstappen-Mercedes speculation was a significant distraction, with Antonelli later admitting the rumors 'took their toll' on him during that period.
What's next:
As Antonelli prepares for his second season, the focus will be on building upon his late-season momentum and establishing himself as a consistent performer alongside his teammate. Off the track, his immediate challenge appears to be mastering the art of adulting, a journey many his age face but one made public by his high-profile career. If he can translate his on-track learning curve to his domestic life, he'll be well on his way to becoming a more complete and resilient driver, both on and off the grid.