F1 Driver Kimi Antonelli's Incognito Go-Karting Session: Fastest Lap Amid Penalties

In a charming display of a professional athlete returning to grassroots motorsport, Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli recently participated in a public go-karting session completely incognito. The 19-year-old Italian, who finished seventh in the 2025 F1 drivers' championship, visited Daytona Milton Keynes on a Saturday, registering under the pseudonym "Henry Shovlin." His presence went entirely unnoticed by fellow karters until the session concluded, creating a memorable story that blends elite competition with recreational racing.

The Incognito Racing Session

Antonelli's visit to the popular go-karting venue was marked by complete anonymity. According to Daytona staff, he participated in the standard safety briefing and raced alongside the public without any special treatment or recognition. Wearing a full-face helmet, his identity remained concealed throughout the intense racing session. Daniel Prince from Daytona Milton Keynes told BBC Three Counties Radio that "no-one had a clue" they were competing against a current Formula 1 driver until the session ended and Antonelli removed his helmet.

Performance on Track: Penalties and Pace

The young Mercedes driver's performance was a study in contrasts. While demonstrating his elite racing pedigree by setting the fastest lap of the session—reportedly by at least three seconds—Antonelli also received two penalties for overly aggressive driving. Track officials noted he was "pushing too hard" in the competitive environment, which ultimately prevented him from finishing on the podium despite his superior pace. This combination of exceptional speed and penalty-inducing aggression reflects the competitive instincts that define top-tier racing drivers, even in informal settings.

Reaction and Aftermath

Once Antonelli's identity was revealed, the atmosphere at the venue changed dramatically. According to staff reports, he was "mobbed" by excited fans who had just raced against him. Track personnel quickly intervened, escorting him behind the service desk for a photograph next to the venue's celebrity leaderboard—where his impressive lap time of 1:25.5 was displayed—before he made a discreet exit. The incident demonstrates how even in controlled, incognito situations, the celebrity status of Formula 1 drivers inevitably surfaces when they're recognized by the public.

Context and Broader Trends

Antonelli's visit follows a pattern of Formula 1 drivers frequenting the Daytona Milton Keynes facility, which benefits from its proximity to the Silverstone Circuit—home of the British Grand Prix. Other F1 competitors including Alexander Albon, Isack Hadjar, and Yuki Tsunoda have also been known to visit the track. For professional drivers, such sessions offer valuable training opportunities, allowing them to refine racecraft in a lower-stakes environment while maintaining their competitive edge during breaks in the F1 calendar.

Conclusion

Kimi Antonelli's incognito go-karting adventure provides a fascinating glimpse into how elite motorsport professionals engage with grassroots racing culture. The episode highlights the universal appeal of competitive driving across all levels of the sport, from local karting venues to global Formula 1 circuits. While his two penalties prevented a podium finish, Antonelli's dominant fastest lap reaffirmed the substantial skill gap between professional drivers and even highly competent amateurs. Such incidents strengthen the connection between F1 stars and the broader racing community, reminding enthusiasts that even world-class competitors occasionally return to the simple pleasure of wheel-to-wheel racing at local tracks.