Kimi Antonelli's father once feared for his racing future before F1 title win

Kimi Antonelli and his father Marco AntonelliFor Marco Antonelli, watching his son lift the Formula 1 World Championship trophy must have felt almost unreal. There was a time when he worried that Kimi's passion for racing could lead to the same disappointment he had experienced. His own career never reached the heights he had hoped for, and he feared his son might face similar struggles. Now, at just 20, Kimi has achieved something his father could never have imagined. The Mercedes driver has become the youngest world champion in F1 history, turning years of sacrifice and uncertainty into a remarkable family achievement.Marco Antonelli's painful racing past shaped his fears for KimiMarco's concerns were rooted in personal experience. He had pursued a professional racing career during the 1990s and came close to securing opportunities with major manufacturers. However, circumstances repeatedly worked against him.He tested for Alfa Romeo, but a change in team leadership ended that opportunity. A possible move with BMW also failed to materialise. Those setbacks left a lasting impression on him.Speaking to BBC Sport, Marco explained why he initially struggled with his son's growing interest in motorsport."Sometimes you are fast but not in the right position to become a professional driver," he said.He added: "I suffered a lot for it," Marco says. "And, of course, I was scared that my son [would] relive the same situation. At the beginning, I was very stressed about the passion my son had for motorsport."Despite those fears, Kimi's talent became increasingly difficult to ignore. He first tried karting at five and quickly showed an unusual understanding of racing.One memorable moment came when Kimi was 10. Marco allowed him to control the steering and gears of a Lamborghini while he handled the throttle and brakes. His son's ability behind the wheel left him impressed.Mercedes also recognised the youngster's potential early, signing him to its junior programme in 2018. That support helped Kimi progress through the junior categories and eventually reach Formula 1.Kimi Antonelli's F1 title brings his father's fears full circleKimi's journey was not without difficult moments. His first season with Mercedes brought intense pressure, particularly as he stepped into the seat previously occupied by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.However, he responded with an impressive 2026 campaign and secured the championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix. His father watched the historic moment unfold before celebrating with his family.Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Marco said: "Step by step he makes himself stronger and stronger and stronger, and this is the result."He also spoke about their relationship, adding: "I'm very lucky because the relationship with my son and with my daughter is special, and this is the best thing in the world that I can have."The emotional moment became even more special when Marco recalled telling his son about the title."I said to him, I don't know if you know, you are the champion. I cried!"For a father who once feared motorsport would bring his son the same heartbreak, the championship represents much more than a sporting achievement. It is the moment those old worries finally gave way to pride.