Kimi Antonelli desires a unique photograph featuring Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to display on his wall following his Formula 1 championship victory.

Antonelli mentioned that he took those nerves into the race, but gradually learned to release them.

“At the beginning, I was very careful and left plenty of space. I was probably playing it too safe. But then I realized I had the pace, particularly in that initial stint. I knew we were in contention because the speed was impressive on used tyres. However, with the red flag, everything reset.”

That moment marked a shift in Antonelli's mindset, prompting him to abandon his caution and execute a remarkable overtaking maneuver on Charles Leclerc.

“At that point, I thought, 'You know what? I'm going to take more risks.' I had the chance to gain a few positions, and that move on Charles was vital for getting onto the podium.”

“Then I aimed to stay close until the end, and that last stint was exhilarating. I think the three of us were within two seconds, all pushing hard. Overtaking was difficult, but the intensity made it enjoyable.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Ultimately, Antonelli crossed the finish line four seconds behind race victor Max Verstappen and shared with Motorsport.com that this outcome was largely influenced by a highly emotional final lap.

“On the last lap, I simply eased off because I couldn’t see the track anymore. I was becoming emotional, and I thought, 'I’ll just back off; otherwise, I might crash!' It felt great to bring it home,” the new world champion recounted.

“I was already in tears. My vision was blurry, and I could make out two Ferraris through the tears, which made it very special. A flood of memories swept over me from my karting days up to this point.”

“It was an incredibly meaningful final lap, and definitely when I crossed the line, I let everything out because I was realizing one of my biggest dreams. It was a very special moment.”

The word special also describes what followed. In the Foro Sol, the stadium section of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Antonelli was welcomed by his parents, who had traveled specifically for the occasion. He then stood on the podium alongside two of F1’s greatest legends: Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen.

In Antonelli's opinion, there could hardly be a more perfect way to secure his first world title, and he particularly treasures the moment when the two multiple world champions lifted him onto their shoulders.

“I will absolutely frame that picture and hang it in my house because it captures an unbelievable moment,” the Mercedes driver stated.

“Plus, to feel such respect from two remarkable drivers who have made their mark in history is truly special. It’s a moment that will stay with me and be remembered always. I will definitely frame that picture and display it prominently in my home, so I can see it whenever I walk in.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

As the DJ took over at the conclusion of the podium ceremony, another emotional moment unfolded for the newly crowned world champion. With Nessun Dorma and Sarà, perché ti amo, two Italian songs played that brought even more tears to Antonelli’s eyes.

“Yeah, the first song was extremely emotional for me because it was one my grandfather always listened to, making it very special to hear that. I believe he would be very proud,” Antonelli shared.

As he expressed those feelings, tears began to flow again, prompting applause from the gathered media.

“Oh my God, I’ve cried way too much today, but it’s all good!” Antonelli added with a smile. “I just got very emotional thinking about my grandfather, and I was incredibly happy for him as well.”