Antonelli gives update on exams after skipped “F1” movie premiere

After celebrating his first Formula 1 podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, Andrea Kimi Antonelli headed straight home to take an exam, missing the world premiere of the F1 movie in New York City.

The Mercedes driver was met by the media after his exam. “It went well, it didn’t go easy,” he explained. “I tried to do my best and now wait for the result.”

The 18-year-old driver is continuing with school while also focusing on his debut F1 season. 

“Well, I’m not able to attend school, but I’m trying to study as much as I can, especially in those little moments I have free,” the Italian driver previously explained to the media at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. “I’m getting help from the school as well to try and catch up because I’ve definitely missed a lot of work during this time.

“But it’s not easy, because that also takes energy and effort. Especially ahead of such an important weekend, it’s really important to manage that side, not to do too much in order to save energy.

“But yeah, whenever I’m home or have a bit of time off, I try to do a little bit just to keep active and catch up as much as possible.”

Antonelli treated his classmates to a trip into the F1 paddock at Imola, his first of two home races this season.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“Yeah, I organised this — thanks also to some people at Mercedes. Rosa [Herrera Venegas], who’s in the room as well, helped. We were able to organise this for the school,” the Mercedes driver explained. “I think it’s a good way for them to see with their own eyes this world. They used to watch the races on TV, but didn’t actually know what’s going on behind it. I think it’s a really good experience and I really hope they enjoy it.

“We’ve organised some activities — later on I’ll show them the car and explain a bit, without going too much into detail. It’s a good way to keep the relationship because I don’t spend much time at home, so I don’t see them often. These little things can make the difference.”

Antonelli has had an impressive start to his rookie season in F1. Since taking Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes after his move to Ferrari, the Italian driver has scored 63 points, celebrated his first podium, and is currently seventh in the drivers’ standings.