Antonelli brings school to the track for home F1 debut

Kimi Antonelli has not been able to attend school since he became a Mercedes Formula One driver so the 18-year-old brought his classmates to the racetrack ahead of his home debut this weekend.

The Bologna-born driver is enjoying staying at home for the race at Imola, a drive east along the Roman Via Emilia, but bracing for plenty of attention as Italy's sole driver in Ferrari's backyard.

"We were able to organise this for the school," he said after his entire class turned up in the paddock on Thursday. "I think it’s a good way for them to see with their own eyes this world.

"We’ve organised some activities... 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."

Antonelli still intends to take his Maturita, the Italian high school diploma exam, and has been working on it.

"I'm trying to study as much as I can, especially in those little moments I have free. 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," said the rookie.

"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 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, who took the place of seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton when the Briton moved to Ferrari in January, is the top rookie this season after scoring in five of his six races so far.

The Italian, who only passed his driving test in January, is already the youngest F1 racer to take a pole position of any sort – in the Miami sprint this month – and set fastest lap and lead a race.

Imola will ratchet the attention up another level, the race also coming after rowdy scenes as local soccer side Bologna won the Italian cup on Wednesday to secure their first major trophy in 51 years.

"This weekend is going to be emotionally and mentally draining – a home race in front of the Italian fans and my family and friends will be attending," said Antonelli, who dreams of a first podium.

"Already a normal weekend is very tiring and draining, so this is like double. Of course I'm going to try to protect myself. The fact that I’ve got really good people around me really helps.

"At the same time, it's going to be really exciting. I think the energy is going to be amazing and that can be used to do even better on track. I'm really looking forward to see how we go this weekend."