Marco Antonelli: I want my son to be an example for others.

      In Monaco, Kimi Antonelli achieved his fifth consecutive victory and extended his lead in the World Championship standings to 66 points. One of the first to congratulate the 19-year-old driver on this success was his father, Marco Antonelli, who could not hold back tears of joy after yesterday's race finish and shared his feelings in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport...

      Question: Could you ever imagine something like this?

      Marco Antonelli: That my son would win the Monaco Grand Prix at 19? Can you even imagine that?!.. I have always believed in his abilities, and he has the support of Mercedes, which is a great team – and yet this is a completely special achievement, even more impressive than his first victory in China.

      Question: What does Kimi's success mean to you?

      Marco Antonelli: Undoubtedly, it is a fantastic result, and I want Kimi to fully enjoy it. He is performing excellently this season, and we are very proud of him, but we also remember that there is still a long way ahead. Kimi must continue to work in the same vein, and maybe one day there will come a time when we can say that we have truly made history. For now, another small step has been taken on this path.

      Question: What are you most proud of?

      Marco Antonelli: I want him to be an example for other kids, not so much because of his results. Rather, I am talking about the fact that he is a completely ordinary 19-year-old guy who has his head on his shoulders, loves what he does, and is fully committed to it.

      Question: But this is thanks to the parents...

      Marco Antonelli: First of all, thanks to Veronica, his mother. I have been more involved in his sporting affairs, while she has always taken very good care of our children.

      Question: The race was eventful – how did you perceive all of this?

      Marco Antonelli: (laughs) Not very well! When the race was restarted after the red flag stoppage, I was nervous because Kimi had had problems at the starts this year, and right behind him was one of the Ferrari drivers, who usually starts very confidently. But Kimi did everything right, thanks in part to the work the team has done in recent months to help him.

      Question: Your son is in good shape now, but what dangers might await him this season?

      Marco Antonelli: Bad luck, mistakes – in motorsport, everything can change very quickly. We know this well, as we have been involved in racing for a long time and see every day what happens on the tracks. But both our family and the Mercedes team are doing everything possible to keep Kimi out of trouble, although sometimes just one mistake is enough, and the situation changes instantly. However, he understands this well...

      Question: Kimi says he is trying not to think about the title for now – is that true?

      Marco Antonelli: We try to approach each race separately – the approach to the season as a whole should be just that, regardless of how well you are doing or if you are going through a tough period. We will start thinking about winning the World Championship when there are three races left in the season, not before. This will allow us to maintain maximum focus and achieve the best results every weekend.

      Question: After the Monaco Grand Prix, the winner participates in a gala evening hosted by Prince Albert II – will you go with Kimi?

      Marco Antonelli: Yes, and it will be the most challenging moment of my life! It would be better if I could hide in some distant corner. I am absolutely serious when I say that we are a completely ordinary family. Tomorrow I have to go back to work, and we are not used to such ceremonies. And yet, it’s great that I will accompany my son on this special day!