IN CONVERSATION WITH KIMI ANTONELLI

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by DANIEL CAMINO

IWC Schaffhausen has been an official engineering partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team since 2013. With the team now welcoming Kimi Antonelli as their second driver, the moment offers a perfect opportunity for the world to get to know Kimi better, on and off the track.

Kimi, let’s start at the beginning. What first sparked your love for racing? Was there a defining moment where you knew this would be your passion?

It all started with my dad. He was a racer and around 1993, he started his own racing team. Since a very young age, I've been at the racetrack with him, watching his team’s races. Eventually, I developed my own passion for racing which led to jumping in the go-kart for the first time when I was about five or six. That was the moment where I fell in love with the sport. My dad was definitely the one who got me into racing, so it was all thanks to him.

Stepping into the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is a dream for many. What were your first thoughts when you learned you’d be joining one of the most elite teams in the sport?

I remember being with my family when we got the news and it took me a minute to realize what had just happened. I've been dreaming of getting into Formula 1 for many years, since I was in karting. To finally get here is a dream come true and it didn't feel real at first. To get the news while being with my family was a really special moment.

What does being part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team legacy mean to you, not just as a driver, but as someone representing the next generation?

It's a massive privilege to be part of the Mercedes team. The history of the team is incredible. They've been so successful over the years and had some incredible drivers like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. I'm really proud to be part of the team and take on the responsibilities that come with it. Racing for a team like Mercedes requires you to perform and deliver results. I'm really enjoying it so far and trying to do my best to deliver the best results because the team has put so much effort, hope and trust in me. My main goal is to do well for not only myself but the team as well because they're doing and have done so much for me.

Both Formula 1 and watchmaking are worlds built on precision, discipline, and innovation. How do you see the parallels between your world and IWC Schaffhausen’s craftsmanship?

I see many parallels between the two worlds. My world and the world of IWC contain the same engineering spirit that drives creation. Precision is of course one of the main links that connect the two because it’s a crucial component in building the watch as well as the car. Innovation is equally as relevant as we see the technology in both fields develop tremendously over time.

What role does time play in your life, not just on the stopwatch, but in terms of rhythm, routine, and progress?

It plays a massive role. Time is everything, both in the sport and outside of it. Making the best use of my time is extremely important to me. I aim to make the most out of time by using the moments I have outside of preparing for races, to see my family. 

IWC is known for timeless design and engineering excellence. Is there a particular IWC timepiece that speaks to you or reflects your personality and style?

Definitely. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Edition (IW328210) really stands out to me. It has a clean, sporty look with the PETRONAS green details that give it personality, but it still feels classic.

Outside of the track, how do you recharge and stay grounded?

It’s not only about what happens at the racetrack, but also about the commitments outside the race weekend. There is a lot of preparation ahead of the races, therefore so much work going on behind the scenes. I don't get a lot of time off but when I do, I try to rest my mind. The race weekend can be mentally exhausting so it’s important to do activities that help me release this distress. To recharge I will play on the simulator, play tennis or paddle with friends and drive my go-kart. All these activities still challenge me physically, but sooth me mentally.