Mercedes Rookie Kimi Antonelli Follows Verstappen's Lead, Races Under Pseudonym

Mercedes F1 rookie Kimi Antonelli recently competed in a go-karting endurance race under a pseudonym, a move reminiscent of Max Verstappen's own low-key racing activities. The Italian driver, racing as 'Henry Shovlin' at the SODI D40 event in Milton Keynes, dominated the wet conditions by setting a lap time over three seconds faster than his nearest competitor and over five seconds quicker than a previous benchmark set by Williams driver Alex Albon.

Why it matters:

The practice of top drivers using aliases for grassroots racing highlights their desire to compete away from the intense spotlight of Formula 1. It allows them to enjoy the sport in its purest form, test their skills in different conditions, and stay sharp during the off-season without the pressure of their professional identity. Antonelli emulating Verstappen in this regard also points to the reigning champion's influence on the new generation of drivers.

The details:

• Antonelli participated in the SODI D40 endurance race at Daytona Milton Keynes, entering under the pseudonym Henry Shovlin.
• In challenging wet conditions, he set a benchmark lap time of 1:24.5, which was more than three seconds faster than the next best time at the event.
• His performance was also over five seconds quicker than a lap set by Williams Racing's Alex Albon, who had previously raced at the same venue in similar wet weather.
• The move mirrors Max Verstappen's well-known habit of competing in sim races and real-world events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours under alternate names to maintain a lower profile.

Between the lines:

Antonelli's karting outing is more than just fun; it's a strategic tool for driver development. Competing in the wet on a tight karting circuit hones car control, racecraft, and adaptability—skills directly transferable to Formula 1. Furthermore, his public acknowledgment of Verstappen's support, referring to him as the "dad of the rookies," reveals an important mentorship dynamic within the paddock. The Dutch driver has offered advice and public support to several newcomers, including Antonelli during a difficult period after the Qatar Grand Prix incident, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the younger drivers on the grid.

What's next:

For Antonelli, activities like this keep him race-ready as he prepares for his second season in Formula 1 with Mercedes. The team will be hoping his continuous development and raw speed, demonstrated even in a casual karting event, translate into stronger performances on the Grand Prix stage. As for the trend of pseudonym racing, expect more drivers to seek similar anonymous competitive outlets to unwind and refine their skills away from the global F1 spotlight.