Kimi Antonelli took part in a kart race in Milton Keynes during the short Formula 1 winter break – under a pseudonym! Why his cover was blown
The Formula 1 winter break is particularly short this year, with the first test drives for the new season scheduled for January 26 in Barcelona. Nevertheless, some drivers are clearly keen to use their few days off for an additional racing adventure.
This includes Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli. The 19-year-old Italian took advantage of the break to take part in a kart race on the Daytona track in Milton Keynes. However, the Formula 1 rookie, who finished his debut season in the premier class with a total of 150 World Championship points, went incognito at the start.
Antonelli competed under the alias Henry Shovlin. However, the Formula 1 driver missed out on victory in the main race, and for good reason. “He actually received two penalties for pushing too hard, which meant he didn’t make it onto the podium in the end,” kart track employee Daniel Prince revealed to BBC Three Counties Radio.
“But he drove the fastest lap of the race – with a lead of at least three seconds.” By this point, it was clear that the Italian was no ordinary participant. When Antonelli subsequently took off his helmet, the secret was finally revealed.
“Everyone literally pounced on him, so a staff member quickly took him to safety and put him behind the counter—for a cheeky photo in front of our celebrity leaderboard. Then he took off and disappeared,” adds Prince.
Kimi Antonelli celebrates three podium finishes in 2025
Antonelli made it onto the podium three times in Formula 1 last year: in Canada, Sao Paulo and – thanks to McLaren’s disqualification – Las Vegas, the rookie finished in the top 3 each time. The Mercedes driver had been struggling with a significant dip in form in the meantime.
“But we never doubted his speed, his talent, and his abilities,” emphasized Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in a debrief video from the Formula 1 team. “In Formula 1, you are literally accused of being a cannibal.”
“There’s enormous media pressure, responsibility towards Mercedes—towards the many people who give their all to provide you with an engine and a car,” added the Austrian. “And I think that was exactly the learning process, especially in the middle of the season, particularly in Europe, where everyone wanted something from you.”
“And he’s a good person. That’s why he didn’t want to say no to anyone,” Wolff praised. “Overall, I would say: a good season with many learning moments, a strong foundation to build on and start 2026 with a new car – new for everyone. And you know what to expect.”
