Andrea Kimi Antonelli will compete in the upcoming 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix with a special helmet design. The Mercedes driver’s helmet will pay tribute to Ayrton Senna, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Senna’s 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix victory. The São Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Interlagos from November 6 to 8, 2026.
Antonelli, who recently secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, stated the design holds particular significance for his return to Brazil. The helmet’s artwork has not yet been publicly detailed.
The tribute focuses on Senna’s victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace on March 24, 1991. Senna, driving for McLaren-Honda, won his home race for the first time in his eighth Formula 1 season.
During the 71-lap race, Senna experienced significant gearbox problems, progressively losing gears until only sixth gear remained in the closing stages. He managed to hold off Riccardo Patrese, who finished second for Williams-Renault.
Senna’s victory was physically demanding, leaving him exhausted in the cockpit and barely able to lift the winner’s trophy on the podium. Gerhard Berger, Senna’s teammate, completed the podium in third place.
Antonelli clinched the 2026 Drivers’ Championship on November 1, 2026, at the Mexico City Grand Prix. At 20 years and 68 days old, he became the youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history.
This achievement broke Sebastian Vettel’s 16-year record, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title in 2010. Antonelli is also the first Italian champion in 73 years, since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli secured the title with a third-place finish in Mexico, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. He has recorded nine Grand Prix victories and 16 podium finishes across 19 races during the 2026 season.
The Italian driver’s connection to Senna extends to his racing number. Antonelli uses number 12, a choice made in homage to Senna, who raced with the number during his time with Lotus from 1985 to 1987 and in his 1988 championship-winning season with McLaren.
Antonelli is the first Formula 1 champion to win the title with car number 12 since Senna in 1988. He intends to retain number 12 for the 2027 season, despite having the option to use number 1 as the reigning world champion.
He cited personal significance, a desire for humility, and a superstition regarding previous negative experiences with number 1 as reasons for his decision. Antonelli joined Mercedes in 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton.
The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix is the 20th round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Free Practice 1 will commence on Friday, November 7th, at 12:30 local time.
Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, at 15:00 local time, with the 71-lap race starting at 14:00 local time on Sunday, November 8th. The circuit is the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Mercedes currently holds a substantial lead over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship standings. The team is positioned to secure the Constructors’ title in the upcoming races.
