Antonelli links Brazilian GP helmet to Senna’s first home win

Kimi Antonelli will wear a special helmet honouring Ayrton Senna at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, arriving at Interlagos as the newly crowned 2026 world champion.

Speaking to media in Mexico, Antonelli said the tribute marked 35 years since Senna first won his home race; he recalled that victory came in sixth gear. Antonelli said he thinks the helmet is one of the best he has made.

He said he was looking forward to returning to Brazil, describing support from the country as incredible in both 2025 and 2026. The two also share number 12: Antonelli races with the number Senna used at Lotus and during his first title-winning season at McLaren in 1988. Antonelli is the first driver since Senna’s 1988 title to win the championship with that number.