Local go-kart enthusiasts were surprised to discover they were competing against Mercedes F1 driver Kimi Antonelli. Using the alias “Henry Shovlin,” Antonelli participated in a race at Daytona Milton Keynes on Saturday. The 19-year-old from Italy clocked the fastest lap time but didn’t secure a win. According to Daytona staff member Daniel Prince, Antonelli received two penalties for being overly aggressive on the track.
Once his true identity was unveiled, fans playfully teased Antonelli and eagerly took photos with him. Despite attending the driver’s briefing unnoticed, Antonelli’s youthful appearance helped him stay under the radar. Prince mentioned that although Antonelli’s driving was impressive—setting a lap time three seconds faster than anyone else—his penalties kept him off the podium. After receiving some good-natured ribbing from others, staff quickly brought him behind the desk for photos with their celebrity rankings before he quickly left.
Other F1 drivers like Isaac Hajar, Alex Albon, and Hiroki Tsunoda have also visited this go-kart facility near Silverstone, the location of the British Grand Prix. In his rookie F1 season in 2025, Antonelli finished seventh in the World Championship, collecting 150 points. Promoted to Mercedes as a replacement for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli has already achieved three podium finishes and secured pole position in the Miami sprint race.
Fan Take: This story highlights how even top-tier drivers like Antonelli enjoy grassroots racing, reminding fans of the pure passion behind the sport. It underscores the importance of karting as a foundational stepping stone and a way to keep drivers connected to their roots, which could inspire more young talent to emerge in Formula 1.
