KIMI ANTONELLI WEARS A VALENTINO ROSSI-INSPIRED HELMET FOR MONZA HOME RACE

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli will race at his home event in Monza with a helmet that pays tribute to Valentino Rossi. Instead of using his usual colors, Antonelli chose a design inspired by the way Rossi rode in Mugello in 2002, turning the tribute into a personal statement for the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

Antonelli worked with Rossi’s helmet painter Aldo Drudi to adapt the Mugello 2002 look for this year’s Monza run. The concept keeps the Italian tricolour while adding a range of Italy-themed details, including coffee, pizza and pasta, as well as symbols such as a bidet and the colors associated with the Italian national football team. The design also features white underwear and family elements, and includes Rossi himself—Antonelli is shown carrying the MotoGP legend on his back.

Antonelli explained that the idea was a “special wish” to wear a helmet inspired by Vale, saying that when the Mugello 2002 concept was suggested, he immediately knew it was the right direction. He praised Drudi-Performance for the work done to tailor the design for Monza, and added that Rossi was quickly enthusiastic about the collaboration. For Antonelli, Rossi is both a “myth” and a role model, and he emphasized that he can also call him a friend.

Rossi is set to be at the Autodromo this weekend to support Antonelli. The two share a close relationship, with Antonelli regularly training together with Rossi on a karting track, and maintaining ties with VR46 Academy riders.