Antonelli brings classmates to the paddock

Kimi Antonelli has not been able to attend school since he became a Mercedes Formula One driver, so the 18-year-old brought his classmates to the racetrack ahead of his home debut this weekend.

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IMOLA - Kimi Antonelli has not been able to attend school since he became a Mercedes Formula One driver, so the 18-year-old brought his classmates to the racetrack ahead of his home debut this weekend.

The Bologna-born driver is enjoying staying at home for the race at Imola, a drive east along the Roman Via Emilia, but bracing for plenty of attention as Italy's sole driver in Ferrari's backyard.

"We were able to organise this for the school. I think it's a good way for them to see with their own eyes this world," he said after his entire class turned up in the paddock on May 15.

"We've organised some activities... I'll show them the car and explain a bit, without going too much into detail. It's a good way to keep the relationship because I don't spend much time at home, so I don't see them often."

Antonelli still intends to take his Maturita, the Italian high-school diploma exam, and has been working on it.